Home / Weather / India Freezes: Severe Cold Grips Nation
India Freezes: Severe Cold Grips Nation
11 Jan
Summary
- Severe cold wave alerts issued across North India.
- Temperatures may drop to as low as two degrees Celsius.
- Extreme cold poses significant health risks.
Central and northern India are currently grappling with a severe cold wave, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue urgent alerts for several states. Cities across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are witnessing a dramatic fall in temperatures. Reports indicate that mercury levels in some regions could plunge to as low as two degrees Celsius, posing a serious threat to public health.
The extreme cold weather places significant stress on the human body. Potential health consequences include hypothermia, a dangerous drop in core body temperature, and increased strain on the heart due to narrowed blood vessels and thickened blood. Respiratory problems are also exacerbated, with freezing air irritating airways and worsening conditions like asthma and COPD.
Furthermore, the cold increases the risk of frostbite and skin damage on exposed areas. Strokes become more likely due to reduced blood flow to the brain and clot formation. The cold also contributes to muscle and joint stiffness, increasing the risk of falls, and can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
