Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar record sharp fall in temperature; fog and icy winds disrupt daily life across the region.
North Maharashtra is currently reeling under an intense cold wave, with the minimum temperature dropping to around 6°C in several districts, including Dhule, Nandurbar, and parts of Jalgaon. The abrupt fall in temperature has brought a noticeable change in weather patterns, making mornings and evenings particularly chilly.
People in urban as well as rural areas have started their day wrapped in woolen sweaters, shawls, and mufflers. With dense fog covering the region during the early hours, visibility has also reduced significantly in some parts, affecting road traffic and morning routines.
Dip in Temperature Signals Peak Winter
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the fall in temperature marks the beginning of the peak winter season in North Maharashtra. The cold winds from north and central India have led to a considerable drop in temperature during the nights. Dhule recorded around 6°C, while Jalgaon and Nandurbar reported minimum temperatures between 7°C and 9°C, which is below the normal range for this period.
Weather experts attribute the sudden chill to changes in wind patterns and clear night skies, which cause rapid heat loss from the surface. The cold conditions are expected to persist for a few more days, with a possibility of further decline in temperature across the region.
Impact on Daily Life and Routine
The sharp temperature decline has started affecting daily life. People are avoiding early morning outdoor activities like walking and exercising. The usually busy markets of Dhule and Jalgaon have been opening late in the morning due to the biting cold. Tea stalls and food vendors, however, have witnessed an increase in customers, as locals flock to warm beverages to beat the chill.
For senior citizens and children, the early hours have become particularly challenging. Parents are making their children wear extra layers of warm clothing before sending them to school. Many schools and colleges have also delayed their morning sessions by an hour to help students cope with the freezing mornings.
Rural Hardship and Agricultural Concerns
In rural areas, the situation is even more difficult. Farmers working in the fields early in the morning are facing severe discomfort due to the low temperatures and cold winds. The drop in temperature has a mixed effect on agriculture. While the cold weather benefits certain crops like wheat, onion, and gram, a prolonged cold wave may damage sensitive or newly sown crops.
Agricultural experts have advised farmers to take necessary precautions such as light irrigation and smoke prevention to protect standing crops from frost formation. In many villages, farmers have started burning organic waste along the borders of farms to create smoke layers — a traditional method to protect crops from frost.
Rise in Demand for Warm Clothing and Essentials
With winter showing its full strength, markets across districts such as Dhule, Shirpur, Amalner, and Nandurbar have reported increased sales of woolen wear, blankets, and room heaters. Street vendors selling winter essentials are doing brisk business. Local tailors and garment shops are also experiencing a seasonal boost in demand.
Health experts, however, have warned people — especially the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses — to stay indoors during early mornings and nights. Sudden exposure to cold air may trigger ailments such as cough, cold, and asthma. Doctors are advising people to drink warm water, use masks outdoors, and maintain proper hydration.
Community Response and Relief Initiatives
Local authorities in several municipalities of North Maharashtra have started distributing blankets to roadside dwellers and people living in huts. Social organizations and youth groups have also begun night drives to provide hot tea and food to underprivileged individuals who are struggling to bear the cold.
In Dhule and Jalgaon, some NGOs have set up temporary shelters for homeless people, ensuring they have access to basic warmth at night. The administration has urged citizens to report anyone in distress so that immediate assistance can be provided.
Expected Weather Outlook
According to the IMD’s regional center in Pune, the cold wave in North Maharashtra is likely to continue for the next few days. If the sky remains clear, temperatures could drop further by 1–2°C, making the region one of the coldest parts of Maharashtra this week. However, a slight relief is expected by the end of the month as wind patterns gradually shift.
The department has advised residents and farmers to stay updated through official weather bulletins and to take all necessary precautions during the cold wave period.
A Season of Challenges and Warmth
While the chill has posed challenges for many residents, the winter has also brought moments of joy and togetherness. Families are seen gathering around bonfires in the evenings, enjoying warm meals and seasonal snacks like bhutta (roasted corn) and groundnuts. For children, it’s a time to wear colorful woolen clothes and enjoy the short winter break.
As North Maharashtra continues to experience one of the coldest spells in recent years, locals are learning to adapt and find warmth — both in spirit and community — amid the biting winds and foggy mornings.
