The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning of a severe cold wave gripping several parts of North India, including Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Forecasts indicate that temperatures in Delhi are likely to dip to levels colder than those typically experienced in Shimla, a popular hill station. This assertion is supported by current weather data, which shows Delhi experiencing temperatures around 8°C with a forecasted low of 4°C, while Shimla's current temperature is around 3°C with a forecasted low of 1°C for the coming days. The IMD bulletin, issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, states that cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are highly probable in isolated areas across Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh. Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Saurashtra and Kutch, and Uttarakhand may also witness cold wave conditions on Monday, January 12. The severe winter conditions are expected to persist, with the cold wave streak likely to continue on Tuesday in isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh. Beyond the plunging temperatures, dense to very dense fog is also anticipated across various northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, until January 15, potentially disrupting travel plans, including flight and train operations. The lowest minimum temperature recorded over the plains on January 11 was 0.4°C in Phalodi, Rajasthan, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing cold spell. The IMD has also issued advisories concerning the impact of these extreme weather conditions on agriculture, livestock, water supply, transport, and the power sector. The cold wave is expected to continue with minimal relief in the immediate forecast period.