North India welcomed the New Year with biting cold as temperatures dipped sharply across the region on January 1, 2025. In Kashmir, the freezing conditions reached a harsh -6°C in Pahalgam, leaving parts of Dal Lake in Srinagar frozen. Gulmarg recorded -2.4°C, while Srinagar itself saw -1.5°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
In Delhi, the minimum temperature dropped to 7°C, with dense fog blanketing the city. Homeless individuals sought warmth at 235 temporary shelters established by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). Bonfires were a common sight across the capital as residents braved the chilling start to the year. Morning prayers and ‘aartis’ were performed at the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir and Jhandewalan Temple despite the cold.
Rajasthan also experienced frigid weather, with Jaipur recording 7.2°C and Bikaner and Churu dipping to 7°C and 6°C, respectively. In Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya was wrapped in fog, while Meerut and Lucknow saw temperatures drop to 9°C and 10°C.
Despite the severe cold, people across the region celebrated the arrival of 2025 with enthusiasm. Streets, parks, temples, churches, and mosques were filled with crowds marking the New Year in high spirits.
The IMD has forecast some relief from the cold wave in the coming days, particularly after Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to stabilize. For now, however, the intense winter continues to dominate the northern plains, testing the resilience of millions.
