Nagpur has officially stepped into peak winter. The city recorded a minimum temperature of around 9.6°C, marking one of the coldest nights of the season so far. With the mercury dipping sharply over the past few days, residents woke up to dense fog, chilly winds, and a noticeable bite in the early morning air.
This sudden drop in temperature is part of a broader cold-wave pattern sweeping across Central India, making Nagpur one of the colder urban centers in the region this week.
Why Is Nagpur Experiencing Such a Sharp Temperature Drop?
Meteorologists attribute the ongoing cold spell to a combination of factors:
1. Clear Skies at Night
Without cloud cover, heat escapes rapidly from the earth’s surface after sunset. This leads to a sharper fall in night temperatures.
2. North-Westerly Cold Winds
Nagpur is receiving a direct flow of cold winds originating from North India, where temperatures have already plummeted due to winter systems and snowfall in the Himalayas.
3. Seasonal Transition
December marks the full onset of winter in Vidarbha. This period typically sees night temperatures dropping steadily until late January.
How the Cold Wave Is Affecting Daily Life
Early Morning Fog
Reduced visibility has been reported in several pockets of the city, affecting commuters and early-morning transport.
Rise in Seasonal Illnesses
Doctors are witnessing an uptick in:
- Cough and cold
- Viral fever
- Asthma-related complaints
Cold waves often push vulnerable groups—children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory issues—into the risk zone.
Impact on Outdoor Workers
Morning shifts for security guards, delivery personnel, and construction workers have become tougher due to the biting chill.
Winter Tourism & Local Markets
The chill is also boosting the season for warm clothing markets, tea stalls, and winter street foods like bhutte, tilgul, and hot soups.
What to Expect in the Coming Days?
As per weather patterns typically observed in December, Nagpur may continue to record:
- Minimum temperatures between 8°C and 12°C
- Colder nights than mornings
- Light fog, especially around rural belts and outskirts
- Possibility of another dip if northern cold waves intensify
The next week is expected to remain colder than average, so residents should gear up for more wintery mornings.
Safety Tips During the Cold Wave
- Stay layered: Multiple thin layers trap heat better.
- Stay hydrated: Winter dehydration often goes unnoticed.
- Use warm bedding: Especially for children and elders.
- Avoid early-morning exposure: Particularly for those with asthma or heart conditions.
- Consume immunity boosters: Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and warm soups help strengthen resistance.
