January 5, 2025: Dense fog and plummeting temperatures continue to grip most parts of North India, significantly affecting daily life and causing disruptions across several states.
In Uttar Pradesh, residents woke up to a chilly morning, with many cities, towns, and villages blanketed by thick fog. The minimum temperature in Kanpur was recorded at 9°C, while Ayodhya saw a slightly higher temperature of 12.6°C. The dense fog reduced visibility drastically in Ayodhya, down to just 50 meters, making commuting difficult. People were seen huddling near bonfires to stay warm, with many workers, especially in rural areas, struggling to work in the harsh conditions. Sanjay Kumar Rathore, a local from Kanpur, expressed the hardship many faced, noting, “It is very cold… it is getting very difficult for us. We are not able to work as well… we are poor and we don’t have any option except to work in this harsh weather.”
Prayagraj also recorded a temperature drop to 11°C, and visibility was severely limited by the fog, with locals reporting near-zero visibility in the city. Despite the cold, residents appeared prepared for the winter, with many having already taken measures to cope with the chill.
In Rajasthan, the temperature in Jaipur dipped to 10°C, causing further discomfort in the region. The foggy conditions here, as well as in neighboring states, have made travel challenging. In Delhi, the mercury also dropped to 10°C, and the thick fog led to disruptions in flight and train services. The dense fog and cold temperatures have particularly impacted early morning travelers.
The ongoing cold wave has led to increased demand for night shelters in cities, with many homeless individuals seeking refuge from the harsh winter. Authorities have continued to provide shelter and relief to those in need, while advising caution on the roads due to the low visibility.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating that a western disturbance is expected to bring light rainfall to the northwestern states between January 10 and 12, which could provide some relief from the current foggy conditions but might also lead to additional disruptions in the short term.
This persistent cold spell and foggy weather are likely to continue for the next few days, with local authorities and residents bracing for more challenges as winter conditions tighten their grip on the region.