Maharashtra Sees Cold Wave Alert As Temperatures Dip Below Normal Across Region
Lucknow is reeling under a persistent cold day, with daytime temperatures dipping well below seasonal norms. Residents are facing icy north‑westerly winds that have intensified the chill, while dense morning fog is reducing visibility across the city. Simultaneously, air quality has worsened in several localities, slipping into the poor category, raising health concerns for children, elderly citizens, and daily commuters. The city braces for continued winter stress in the coming days.
Meteorological offices report maximum temperatures hovering around 16°C, several degrees lower than the seasonal average. Early morning humidity has contributed to dense fog across multiple areas, occasionally restricting visibility to less than 100 metres. Such cold day conditions occur when a combination of north‑westerly winds and atmospheric inversion layers trap colder air near the surface, preventing heat from dispersing during daytime. City authorities have advised commuters to exercise caution on key roads as fog reduces visibility and increases accident risk.Air quality monitors in three prominent city zones have recorded a sharp rise in particulate matter, placing them firmly in the poor category. Experts explain that stagnant air and low wind speeds during winter restrict pollutant dispersion, compounding the effects of vehicular and industrial emissions. “Cold weather combined with poor air quality can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly in vulnerable groups,” said an official from the city health department, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and late evenings.
Transport networks have also been affected. Dense fog in the early hours delayed local and regional travel, while several commuter flights reported temporary cancellations or late departures. City transport planners highlighted that weather disruptions during winter underscore the need for improved urban infrastructure, including enhanced traffic management systems and timely public advisories to reduce health and safety risks.Urban environment strategists emphasised the longer-term implications for Lucknow’s urban planning. “Integrating green buffers, sustainable transport, and pollution monitoring into city development can mitigate the combined impact of cold spells and poor air quality,” said one expert. Initiatives such as tree planting, expanding public transport networks, and encouraging energy-efficient construction can reduce urban heat island effects and improve air circulation during winter months.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the continuation of cold day conditions with intermittent fog over the coming days. Slight increases in temperature are expected temporarily, but residents should anticipate recurring chilly mornings and health challenges due to lingering pollution. Local authorities continue to issue advisories on road safety, health precautions, and pollution mitigation, reflecting a growing emphasis on integrating climate resilience into city management.
For Lucknow, this convergence of winter chill, icy winds, and poor air quality highlights the pressing need to align short-term public health measures with long-term sustainable urban planning. Efforts to enhance green infrastructure, encourage cleaner transport, and monitor pollution can make the city more resilient to seasonal weather extremes while safeguarding citizen health and mobility.
