A cold wave warning has been issued by the India Meteorological Department for Delhi‑NCR and a number of northern states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, as temperatures are expected to considerably fall over the coming days. The warning, effective from 10 November through 12 November 2025, coincides with a severe air pollution crisis in Delhi, amplifying health risks for residents across the region.
Growing Concerns Over Weather Conditions
The sudden fall in temperature has been attributed to western disturbances crossing the northern plains by meteorologists. These disturbances bring cold winds and subsequently cloud cover, pulling down temperatures severely in the early morning and late evening hours. Night temperatures in Delhi have reportedly fallen to 8–10 °C and day temperatures are well below average. Similarly, regions of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are experiencing a similar trend with night temperatures falling several degrees below 10 °C in most districts.
The IMD classified this period as a “cold wave” due to a considerable fall in minimum temperatures, with the night-time readings falling 4–5 °C below the normal range for this time of the year. Cold winds along with stagnant conditions in the atmosphere are aggravating the air quality and hence there is dense smog over the NCR.
Implications for Public Health
The combination of cold weather and severe air pollution poses serious health risks. A series of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, might be exacerbated during this period. Health experts have advised residents, especially the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to limit their outdoor exposure.
“Cold air, when mixed with high levels of particulate matter, increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular stress,” said Dr. Ramesh Sharma, a Delhi-based pulmonologist. “Residents must use masks outdoors, keep warm, and ensure indoor air quality is maintained.”
The hospitals in Delhi and its surrounding areas have been asked to be ready for the inflow of patients who may seek treatment due to cold-related ailments. In particular, emergency departments have been advised to expect cases of hypothermia and flu-like symptoms that often get exacerbated with a sudden cold wave.
Advisory Measures and Government Precautions
State governments have taken various precautionary measures to deal with the cold wave following the IMD warning. Authorities in Delhi have asked the citizens of Delhi to use adequate heating indoors and also protect themselves by covering open skin when going outdoors. It has also promoted hybrid learning among schools for younger classes to save students from exposure to extreme cold and dense smog. Non-essential outdoor work and construction activities have been banned by authorities under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) that has been implemented due to severe levels of pollution.
Public transport bodies have been directed to maintain timely services, as people might depend more on buses and metro services due to the cold wave. Emergency shelters have also been arranged in vulnerable areas to help and provide warmth to homeless people in the cold nights.
Challenges for the NCR Region
This dual challenge of cold waves, coupled with poor air quality, has been an infrastructure and healthcare burden. The dense smog aggravates visibility, hence increasing the risk of road accidents, besides complicating daily commutes because of the extreme cold. Experts have called for people to minimize non-essential travel, maintain warmth, and avoid outdoor exercise at the peak hours of smog.
The Met department has also issued a warning for farmers to take necessary precautions with regard to standing crops, as the sudden cold wave may damage the sensitive winter crops, particularly wheat and vegetables. It is advised that farmers cover the crops with protective sheets and ensure irrigation to prevent frost damage.
Looking Ahead
According to IMD, the cold wave is likely to gradually recede after 12 November amid a slight rise in temperature by mid‑November. However, the combined effect of low temperature and residual pollution will continue to impact residents in Delhi and neighboring states in the short term. Authorities have called for strict adherence to safety measures, especially for vulnerable groups in society. Weather updates and health advisories also continue to be provided through local media, social media platforms, and official government channels to raise awareness and ensure public preparedness. As Delhi‑NCR is experiencing one of the first intense cold waves of the season, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, protect their health, and remain vigilant about the weather advisories issued by the IMD. The next few days are going to involve comprehensive coordination among authorities, healthcare providers, and citizens in order to minimize the adverse effects of the cold wave on life and health across the region.
