Fog and frozen lakes as cold wave sweeps northern India

A severe cold wave has tightened its grip on large parts of northern India, with temperatures hovering near zero in several states.

On Thursday, the capital Delhi recorded its coldest morning so far this winter, with the temperature dropping to 2.9C.

In neighbouring Haryana state, temperatures in some areas reportedly fell to under 1C, with pictures of frost-covered cars and bikes going viral on social media.

The cold weather has persisted for four days and is expected to continue until Friday, according to the weather department.

A cold wave is defined as minimum temperatures falling below 4C in the plains of northern India.

The weather conditions have disrupted flight schedules, with some train services also cancelled. In the early hours of Thursday, Delhi airport warned passengers of possible delays because of poor visibility.

Most homes in India’s plains are not designed for harsh winters and lack central heating.

The cold spell comes as air quality in many cities across the region remains in the hazardous category.

During winter, low temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, reducing visibility and worsening pollution levels. This can lead to breathing problems, particularly among vulnerable groups – such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.