The cold wave is no longer just a “warning”—it’s officially here and biting. As of Saturday, January 10, 2026, the capital just woke up to its coldest morning in years at 4.2°C. The IMD isn’t seeing an end to this until at least January 14, with Rajasthan and Punjab expected to stay in the freezer for the next four days.
The thing is, staying warm isn’t just about piling on blankets. Or nothing. Let’s be real, if you’re sitting in a sealed room with a gas heater and no window cracked, you’re trading the cold for carbon monoxide risk. Those too.
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The “Winter Survival” Log: Field Notes
It’s an ongoing situation where the body is working double-time just to keep your core at 37°C.
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The Layering Hack: Don’t just wear one giant coat. The thing is, you need a “trapped air” system. Thermal first (moisture-wicking), then wool/fleece (insulation), then a shell (windproof). And here’s the kicker—if your feet are cold, your whole body feels it. Double up on socks, but make sure your shoes aren’t so tight they cut off circulation.
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Warmth From Within: Forget the “winter drink” myths—alcohol actually makes you lose heat faster by dilating your blood vessels. Stick to the “Desi” heaters: Ghee, Jaggery (Gud), and Bajra. The thing is, Bajra takes longer to digest, which keeps your internal furnace running longer.
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The Silent Killer: If you’re using a room heater, especially a gas or kerosene one, ventilation is non-negotiable. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can knock you out before you even realize there’s a leak. If you start feeling a “flu-like” headache or dizziness indoors, get out immediately.
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Movement Matters: If you’re stuck at a desk, wiggle your toes and do calf raises. It sounds silly, but keeping the blood moving to your extremities prevents that “numb finger” feeling that leads to stiffness.
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Cold Wave Cheat Sheet: Jan 2026
[Table: Internal vs. External Warmth]
| Category | Must-Do Action | Why It Works |
| Diet | Add 1 tsp Ghee to your Dal | Healthy fats fuel internal heat. |
| Hydration | Ginger & Tulsi Tea | Improves circulation; fights winter flu. |
| Home | Crack a window with the heater | Prevents Carbon Monoxide buildup. |
| Attire | Cover your head/ears | Significant heat is lost through the head. |
| Supplements | Vitamin D3 | Compensates for the lack of sun/foggy days. |
And Here’s the Kicker…
The fog is currently trapping a “hazardous” AQI of 361 right at ground level. The thing is, the cold air is denser, so it holds all that dust and smoke right where you breathe. If you’re heading out for a “warm” walk, wait until the sun peeks through after 11:00 AM.
It’s an ongoing situation with “Yellow Alerts” across North India. If you see someone shivering uncontrollably or acting confused, that’s not just “being cold”—it’s the start of hypothermia. Get them into a warm room and give them a hot, sugary drink (no caffeine/alcohol) immediately.
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