How to Stay Warm and Safe During a Cold Wave

Cold Wave in North India: What’s Happening

With North India in a cold grip: This week, Delhi shivered as temperatures fell to around 3°C, while parts of Rajasthan plunged below zero, coating fields in frost[1][2]. In the National Capital Region, Gurgaon hit a low of 0.6°C with some outlying areas seeing ground frost as low as –1°C[3][4]. The deep freeze has prompted school closures in places like Ghaziabad and Ranchi, and authorities have issued cold wave warnings urging people to take precautions[5][6]. In such extreme cold conditions, a few simple measures can go a long way in keeping you and your family warm and safe.

10 Essential Tips to Stay Warm and Safe

1. Dress in Layers from Head to Toe: Wear multiple thin layers of clothing rather than one bulky layer – this traps heat more effectively[7]. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, add insulating clothes like woolen sweaters or fleece, and top it with a windproof, waterproof jacket if you go outside[8]. Cover your extremities: use gloves, socks, and a cap/earmuffs to prevent heat loss from hands, feet, and head[7]. Each layer creates dead air space that acts as insulation, helping maintain body warmth.

2. Eat Warm, Energy-Rich Foods: Maintain a balanced diet to fuel your body’s internal furnace. Warm, nutritious meals – think soups, stews, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats – help generate body heat and energy[9]. In cold weather your caloric needs increase, so don’t skip meals. Eating regular hot meals keeps your core temperature up and replaces energy your body uses to stay warm[10]. Incorporate “warming” ingredients like ginger, pepper, or garlic, which can boost circulation and make you feel warmer (a cup of ginger tea or masala chai can be especially comforting on a chilly day).

3. Stay Hydrated with Warm Drinks: It’s easy to get dehydrated in winter since we feel less thirsty, but proper hydration is crucial for regulating body temperature. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Warm beverages like herbal teas, cocoa, warm water with honey-lemon, or hot soups not only hydrate you but also help keep you warm from the inside[11]. Go easy on caffeine; too much tea or coffee can lead to increased urination and heat loss[12]. Instead, sip on decaffeinated warm drinks or plain warm water regularly to stay hydrated.

4. Check on Elderly and Children: Vulnerable groups – older adults, infants, and those with chronic illnesses – are at higher risk in a cold wave. The elderly, for instance, may not sense the cold or shiver until their body temperature has dropped dangerously low. Doctors warn that even mildly cold indoor conditions (around 16–18°C) can push seniors into hypothermia[13]. Aging bodies have a weaker cold response (less shivering, slower circulation), so hypothermia can develop even indoors without obvious warning signs[14][15]. Check on senior relatives or neighbors frequently during cold spells and ensure their homes are adequately heated[16]. Make sure they’re wearing layers, including at night. Likewise, keep babies and young children warmly dressed (including head and hands) and sleep them in a cozy but safe environment. If you have any concerns (e.g. an elderly person living alone, or a sick child), don’t hesitate to offer help or seek medical advice. Community support and vigilance can save lives in extreme cold.

5. Keep Your Home Warm, Safely:
   Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature but exercise caution with heating devices[17]. If you’re using electric space heaters or blowers, follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines: keep them at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, or anything flammable, and never leave them running unattended. Ensure proper ventilation in rooms being heated, especially if you use fireplaces, gas heaters, or traditional coal/wood burners. Avoid using charcoal braziers (angithis) or gas stoves indoors for heat – they release carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces[18]. Sadly, there have been cases of asphyxiation in winter due to indoor use of such open fires. Instead, use safer heating options (electric or properly vented heaters) and always allow a bit of fresh air flow. The goal is to stay warm without inviting fire hazards or toxic fumes.

6. Use Humidifiers or Indoor Plants: Heating systems and blowers tend to dry out the air, which can leave you with parched skin, irritated sinuses, and a “chilled” feeling. Maintain some humidity indoors to counteract this effect[19]. You can use a humidifier to keep the room humidity in a comfortable range (around 40–50% is ideal to prevent dry air issues[19]). A simple DIY trick is to place a shallow bowl of water near your heat source – as the water slowly evaporates, it adds moisture to the air[19]. Indoor plants can also help; they release moisture and improve air quality (just be sure to water them!). By preventing excessive dryness, you’ll feel warmer and reduce problems like cracked skin or static electricity in the room. Just remember not to over-humidify (above ~50% can cause dampness); a little moisture goes a long way in making the warmth comfortable.

7. Limit Outdoor Exposure (Especially During Peak Cold Hours): During a cold wave, try to stay indoors as much as possible when temperatures are at their lowest. Late night and early morning tend to be bone-chilling – if you can, avoid being outside during these times[20]. If you must head out for work or errands, keep it brief and plan breaks: for example, duck into a warm shop or cafe periodically to warm up. Dress in your warmest layers and cover all exposed skin. A scarf or muffler is very important – wrap it around your neck and also cover your nose and mouth so you’re not directly breathing icy air[21]. Covering your face in cold air warms and humidifies the air before it hits your lungs, protecting you from that harsh chill. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes; if you’ve just come indoors, give yourself time to adjust before you go back out. By minimizing how long and when you’re out in the cold, you reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
   
   
   

8. Stay Active to Generate Body Heat: It’s natural to feel lazy and hunker down in a blanket all day when it’s freezing out. But light physical activity can dramatically improve your warmth. Moving your body boosts circulation and helps generate internal heat[22]. You don’t need an intense workout – even indoor stretches, walking around the room, or simple exercises like jumping jacks or jogging in place can get your blood flowing. If you have access, use indoor exercise equipment or follow a home workout routine. Doing household chores is another way to stay active and warm. The idea is to avoid sitting still for long periods; get up every hour or so to move around. Not only will this keep you warmer, it also keeps your joints from getting too stiff in the cold and elevates your mood (which often dips during long, inactive winter days).

9. Avoid Alcohol as a Warm-up Trick: Many people believe a shot of whiskey or rum will warm them up – but this is a dangerous myth. Alcohol actually causes your blood vessels to dilate (expand), which makes you lose heat faster from the surface of your body, even though your skin might feel warm temporarily[23]. This false sensation can make you underestimate how cold you truly are. In fact, drinking alcohol in cold weather can increase the risk of hypothermia because it lowers your core body temperature and impairs your shivering response. It also dulls your judgment, so you might not put on that extra sweater or you might stay outside longer than is safe. To stay warm, skip the alcoholic drinks, or at least limit them, and opt for non-alcoholic warm beverages instead. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be more aware of how you’re coping with the cold.

10. Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite: Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops dangerously low, and it can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Early warning signs include constant shivering, feeling extremely tired or confused, slurred speech, clumsiness (such as fumbling hands), and pale or cold skin[24]. If someone stops shivering despite the cold, or becomes disoriented or drowsy, that’s a red flag of severe hypothermia – they need immediate warmth and medical help. Frostbite is another cold injury, which typically affects extremities like fingers, toes, nose, or ears. Signs of frostbite include numbness or tingling, a loss of feeling in the affected area, and skin that turns pale, hard, or waxy-looking (sometimes grayish-yellow)[25]. Fingers or toes might feel like wood and look white or bluish. Do not ignore these symptoms. If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, get the person into a warm environment quickly. Remove any wet clothing and wrap them in blankets. For hypothermia, warm the core (torso) first with blankets or skin-to-skin contact under loose layers – avoid heating the limbs aggressively, as that can push cold blood to the heart. For frostbite, gently rewarm the area with warm (not hot) water or body heat – do not rub the frozen skin, as that can cause damage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible in both cases[24]. Being able to recognize these signs early and respond can prevent a minor issue from becoming a serious emergency.

By following these tips and precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks associated with a severe cold wave and stay as warm, healthy, and comfortable as possible. Remember that extreme cold is not just an inconvenience – it can impact your heart, lungs, and overall health if you’re not careful[26][27]. Stay vigilant about your own well-being and that of those around you. With a little preparation and care, you can weather the cold wave safely and make the winter days more enjoyable until warmer temperatures return.

Stay warm and stay safe!

Sources:

·         India Today – Delhi hits 3.2°C, frost blankets plains; schools shut amid North India cold wave[1][5]

·         India Today – Rajasthan shivers as mercury dips below zero (Fatehpur at –1.9°C)[2]

·         NDTV – Cold Wave Alert: Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent Illness This Season[8][24]

·         Republic World – Cold wave grips Delhi-NCR: How to stay safe (layering, nutrition)[7][9]

·         NDTV – 6 Hacks to Avoid Feeling Cold During Winters (humidity control tip)[19]

·         Apollo Hospitals – Winter Illnesses and Prevention in India (humidifier, cover nose advice)[21]

·         The Week – 10 expert tips to stay warm during winter chills[25]

·         NDTV – Extreme Cold: Impacts on Your Health (hypothermia risk for vulnerable groups)[14]

·         Business Standard – Hypothermia in elderly: Winter safety measures (doctor insights on senior risk)[13][15]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Season’s coldest: North India freezes as Delhi hits 3.2°C, frost blankets plains, schools shut - Delhi News | India Today

https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/delhi-wakes-up-to-biting-cold-as-minimum-temperature-drops-to-32degc-cold-wave-alert-issued-2850400-2026-01-12

[7] [9] Cold Wave Grips Delhi-NCR: Know Risks And How To Stay Safe | Republic World

https://www.republicworld.com/health/cold-wave-grips-delhi-ncr-know-the-risks-and-how-to-stay-safe

[8] [10] [11] [12] [16] [17] [18] [20] [22] [23] [24] Cold Wave Alert: Do's And Don'ts To Follow To Prevent Illness This Season

https://www.ndtv.com/health/cold-wave-alert-dos-and-donts-to-follow-to-prevent-illness-this-season-10453680

[13] [15] Hypothermia in elderly: Winter safety measures every family should know | Health News - Business Standard

https://www.business-standard.com/health/hypothermia-in-elderly-winter-safety-measures-every-family-should-know-126010200532_1.html

[14] [26] [27] Cold Wave In India: Know How Extreme Cold Conditions Impacts Your Health

https://www.ndtv.com/health/cold-wave-in-india-know-how-extreme-cold-conditions-impacts-your-health-10684388

[19] 6 Hacks To Avoid Feeling Cold During Winters

https://www.ndtv.com/health/6-hacks-to-avoid-feeling-cold-during-winters-10566407

[21] Winter Illnesses and Prevention in India

https://www.apollo247.com/health-topics/general-medical-consultation//winter-illnesses-prevention-india

[25] Cold wave alert: 10 expert tips to stay warm during winter chills- The Week

https://www.theweek.in/news/health/2026/01/10/cold-wave-alert-10-expert-tips-to-stay-warm-during-winter-chills.html