Tripura has been witnessing an unusually cold spell over the past several days, with daytime temperatures falling well below the normal seasonal level. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has recorded the lowest deviation from normal maximum temperatures in the entire country during this period.
Officials from IMD Agartala said that since January 1, the maximum daytime temperature in Tripura has remained consistently lower than usual. IMD Agartala Director, Dr Partha Roy, explained that the difference between normal and actual daytime temperatures has been significant for nearly a week. He said the state recorded deviations ranging from 3°C to 9°C below normal, which is rare for this time of the year.
Dr Roy said that January 5 was particularly notable. On that day, Tripura recorded a maximum temperature of only 16.8°C. This was 8.6°C below the seasonal normal and marked the highest negative temperature deviation anywhere in the country. Bihar followed with a deviation of around 7°C below normal, but Tripura remained the lowest. He added that these readings matched IMD predictions, which had already warned of temperatures remaining 3°C to 6°C below normal.
The IMD has further stated that the cold spell is expected to continue for the next two to three days. Daytime temperatures are likely to stay 3°C to 5°C below normal during this period, after which a slight rise may occur. However, minimum temperatures are not expected to change much and are likely to hover between 11°C and 13°C over the next five days.
Along with the cold, the state is also facing foggy weather. The IMD has issued a dense fog warning for the next two days. Dense fog may occur at one or two locations in every district, and a yellow alert has been issued in several places. Some areas may also see shallow fog conditions. Transport operators and commuters have been asked to remain cautious, especially during early morning hours when visibility is expected to drop.
In view of the prevailing conditions, advisories have been issued for the transport sector for today and tomorrow. Drivers have been urged to slow down, use fog lights where available, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak fog hours. Officials said fog-related disruptions cannot be ruled out if the current pattern continues.
The state government has also taken precautionary steps to ensure public safety. Schools across Tripura will remain closed until January 10 due to the persistent cold and foggy weather. This decision has been taken keeping students’ health and safety in mind, particularly because early school hours coincide with dense fog timings.
