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Delhi Gripped by Severe Cold Wave

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, January 15th 2026 at 22:00 GMT by TheHealthSite

Friday, January 16th, 2026 - Delhi is currently in the grip of a persistent and unusually severe cold wave, following a record-breaking low of 2.3?C recorded early Saturday morning. This marks one of the coldest winter mornings in recent memory, prompting a 'severe' cold wave alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and raising concerns about public health and the city's infrastructure.

The extreme temperatures are not an isolated event. The IMD is forecasting continued frigid conditions throughout the coming week, accompanied by periods of dense fog that significantly reduce visibility, particularly during the early morning hours. This consistent pattern suggests a prolonged period of discomfort and potential disruption for Delhi's residents.

Public Health at Risk: Vulnerable Populations Face Greatest Threat

Beyond the general discomfort, the prolonged cold poses a serious threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The combination of low temperatures and persistently poor air quality - currently hovering in the 'very poor' AQI range - exacerbates respiratory illnesses and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. Local hospitals are reporting a noticeable uptick in cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma exacerbations. Outreach programs are being rapidly scaled up, focusing on providing warm clothing, blankets, and hot meals to homeless individuals and low-income families.

Dr. Anya Sharma, head of the Delhi Municipal Health Department, stated, "We are actively working to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community have access to essential resources. However, the sheer scale of the need is substantial, and we urge citizens to assist where possible - check on elderly neighbours, offer assistance to those in need, and report individuals experiencing hardship to the relevant authorities."

Air Quality Remains a Critical Concern

The cold wave compounds an already problematic air quality situation. The inversion layer, common during winter, traps pollutants near ground level, preventing them from dispersing. While the government has implemented various measures to improve air quality in recent years, including vehicle emission controls and industrial regulations, the current conditions are significantly hindering their effectiveness. The use of emergency measures, like temporarily suspending certain industrial activities and restricting vehicle movement, is being considered, but faces pushback due to potential economic impact.

Infrastructure Under Pressure: Power Grid and Transportation Disruptions

The intense cold is also placing a strain on Delhi's infrastructure. Demand for electricity has surged as residents crank up heating appliances, leading to concerns about potential power grid instability. While the power authority has reported no widespread outages yet, they are operating at heightened alert levels and requesting residents to conserve energy wherever possible.

Transportation networks are also experiencing difficulties. The persistent fog has caused significant delays and cancellations for flights and trains. Road conditions are treacherous, with black ice forming on exposed surfaces, leading to an increase in road accidents. The Delhi Metro has adjusted its operating schedule to account for reduced visibility and icy platform conditions.

Government Response and Citizen Precautions

The Delhi government has issued a series of advisories urging residents to take precautions against the cold. These include staying indoors as much as possible, covering mouths and noses when venturing outside, and ensuring adequate warmth for children and the elderly. Distribution of blankets and warm clothing continues through municipal shelters and community centers.

The government is also exploring temporary solutions, such as increasing the number of heating shelters and offering subsidized heating fuels to vulnerable families. However, long-term solutions, including investments in more resilient infrastructure and cleaner energy sources, remain critical to mitigating the impact of increasingly frequent and severe cold wave events.

Further Information:

For the latest weather updates and forecasts, please refer to [ https://www.thehealthsite.com/weather/delhi-weather-forecast-today-1293876/ ]. Citizens are encouraged to monitor official government channels for updates and safety advisories.