The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, warning its residents about an impending cold wave, dense fog, and a sharp dip in temperatures from December 2 to 5, 2025. With winter already tightening its grip across North India, the forecast gives adequate hints that the coming days will be quite challenging, compelling citizens and authorities to make prior preparations to handle any disruptions in visibility, health risks, and delays in travel.
Sharp Temperature Drop Begins Across Delhi-NCR
The IMD recorded a continuing drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures since the beginning of December. Maximum temperature is foreseen to oscillate between 14–17°C, while minimum temperature might plunge down to 5–7°C, making it one of the coldest spells in early December in recent years.
The sudden dip in temperature has been ascribed to the northwesterlies going across the plains, carrying cold air from the Himalayas. Combined with seasonal moisture, this cold air mass is creating ideal conditions for dense fog to form during the early morning and late-night hours.
Dense to Very Dense Fog Expected
Dense to very dense fog is expected over Delhi-NCR, particularly during the early morning hours between 4 AM and 9 AM. According to the IMD, visibility in various parts of the city might fall below 50 meters, causing severely disrupted traffic movement along several key highways, including:
NH-48 (Delhi–Gurugram)
Delhi–Meerut Expressway
Noida–Greater Noida Expressway
Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) Expressway
Air travel, too, might get disrupted, with the authorities of Indira Gandhi International Airport already issuing advisories to passengers on the possibility of delays, cancellations, or rescheduling of flights.
Even rail operations are expected to be affected, as dense fog normally delays long-distance trains in winter.
Pollution Levels Likely to Rise
The IMD warned that the stagnant wind flow due to fog and low temperature may trap pollutants close to the surface, leading to a deterioration in air quality over Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad.
According to air quality monitors, AQI levels are expected to enter the “very poor” or “severe” category, especially during morning and evening hours when temperature inversion is strongest.
Health officials have been advising sensitive groups like children, senior citizens, and people with asthma or chronic lung diseases to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Health experts issue a warning.
Medical experts have cautioned that residents have to make precautions against winter diseases as the cold wave is intensified. The following are the health risks commonly faced during cold spells:
Hypothermia
Respiratory distress
Flu, viral infections, and seasonal cough.
Worsening of asthma and bronchitis
Joint pain and muscle stiffness
Doctors advise people to dress warmly in layers, consume warm liquids, control indoor humidity, and even wear masks when going outdoors in foggy or polluted conditions. Local hospitals and clinics have been advised by the Health Ministry to be ready for an influx of outpatient visits due to respiratory problems.
Schools and Offices Likely to Change Timings
Some schools in the NCR also mull adjusting school timings to avoid early-morning exposure for students amidst proposals of a cold wave. The past instances of fog alerts have led to a delay in the opening timing, which may be emulated depending on the cold wave.
Other measures that have been put forward include advising employers, particularly in outdoor industries such as construction and logistics, to implement safety practices and consider shifting working hours to later in the day when visibility improves.
Precautions for Commuters and Citizens
Ensuring safety in the yellow alert, the authorities have issued a series of guidelines:
Use fog lights and drive slowly.
Minimize early-morning travel unless absolutely essential
Check flight and train status before heading out
Keep emergency kits and warm clothing handy
Monitor the weather regularly
Stay indoors during peak pollution hours
People staying in open or temporary shelters have also been advised by the IMD to take adequate precautions, as temperatures are expected to remain low throughout the night.
What the Yellow Alert Means
A yellow warning signifies that severe weather conditions are likely to be met but manageable with caution. It warns the residents to be informed, take precautions, and be prepared to deal with disruptions. The authorities, on their part, are at alert to make any further action needed in case the situation deteriorates to an orange-level warning. Conclusion As Delhi-NCR enters a colder and foggier phase of winter, the IMD yellow alert from December 2-5 is well in time as a preparatory reminder. As the temperature dips, air quality deteriorates, and visibility reduces sharply, the residents are compelled to take every precaution necessary for safety, health, and better information. The coming days may be tough, but early preparedness with awareness can help minimize the impact of this winter spell effectively.
