UP, Jan 12 : A severe cold wave continued to grip large parts of Uttar Pradesh and North India on Monday morning, with dense fog reducing visibility in several cities. Despite the biting chill, thousands of devotees braved the freezing conditions to take a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj during the ongoing Magh Mela.
In Agra, a thin layer of fog enveloped the Taj Mahal, causing low visibility at the Taj View Point area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agra’s maximum temperature is expected to hover around 20°C, while the minimum could drop to 7°C as cold conditions intensify.
Devotees Brave Freezing Magh Mela
Despite the extreme cold, devotees continued to arrive in large numbers at the Sangam in Prayagraj. Pilgrims took a holy dip in the early hours, maintaining the spiritual fervour of the Magh Mela even amid harsh winter conditions.
The Prayag Magh Mela, held at the sacred Triveni Sangam where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge is one of India’s largest pilgrimages. The 45-day event begins on Paush Purnima and concludes on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh (January–February).
Cold Wave Hits Other Parts of North India
Cold wave conditions were also reported in Haridwar, where dense fog blanketed the Har ki Paudi ghat, severely reducing visibility. In Haryana, thick fog engulfed Karnal district as temperatures dipped, with the maximum expected at 17°C and the minimum around 4°C.
Delhi and Mumbai Reeling Under Chill and Pollution
The national capital continued to reel under an intense cold spell, with Ayanagar recording the lowest minimum temperature at 2.9°C. Other areas like Palam and Safdarjung also experienced record lows, dropping close to 3°C–4°C. The Ridge station recorded a minimum of 3.7°C and a maximum of 18.8°C.
In Mumbai, deteriorating air quality added to discomfort, with a layer of smog covering areas such as Wadala on Monday morning. Delhi’s air pollution remained a concern as well. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 293, in the ‘poor’ category, slightly rising from 291 on Saturday.
The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist across much of North India through the day, urging residents to take precautions against the biting chill and low visibility.