Gurugram cold wave pushes temperatures below 1°C
A severe cold wave tightened its grip on Gurugram on Wednesday. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 0.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This drop placed Gurugram among the coldest locations in North India. Residents continued to face extreme winter conditions for the second straight day.
Earlier this week, Gurugram touched 0.6 degrees Celsius, its lowest temperature in nearly five decades. The reading shocked weather experts and residents alike. IMD records show the city has fallen below the 1-degree mark only a few times in history. These include extreme cold events in 1966, 1970, 1977, and 1979. Notably, Gurugram remained colder than several Himalayan hill stations.
NCR reels under extreme winter conditions
The cold wave spread across the National Capital Region and northwest India. Several plains recorded near-freezing temperatures. Delhi’s Safdarjung station logged 3.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Other NCR areas also remained bitterly cold during early morning hours.
In contrast, hill stations saw milder temperatures. Mussoorie recorded 7.7 degrees Celsius, while Shimla reported 8.8 degrees Celsius. IMD Director General M Mohapatra explained the anomaly. Cloud cover over the hills trapped heat at night. Meanwhile, clear skies over the plains allowed rapid heat loss. Cold northwesterly winds further intensified the chill.
Frost and fog disrupt daily life in Gurugram
The cold wave left visible signs across Gurugram. Frost formed on crops, grass, and parked vehicles. Dense fog reduced visibility on highways and elevated roads. Traffic moved slowly during early hours.
Commuters described the conditions as difficult. A site engineer working outdoors said the cold numbed his feet despite heavy shoes. Daily travellers reported frost-covered bus windshields. Many called the morning commute risky due to poor visibility.
IMD explains why plains are colder than hills
The IMD warned that cold conditions may persist for the next few days. Night and early morning temperatures are likely to remain low. Officials advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours. Drivers should remain cautious on highways.
Weather experts said relief may arrive gradually. Until then, Gurugram and the NCR remain locked in a deep winter freeze.
