The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave alert for several northern and central Indian states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, with chilling winter conditions expected to persist until at least January 9. Isolated pockets in these regions, as well as Chhattisgarh and Odisha, are likely to experience cold wave conditions. Minimum temperatures are predicted to fall further in some areas, prompting school closures in Tripura and a yellow alert for specific districts in Jharkhand. Southern West Bengal is also anticipating intensified cold weather.