Delhi Freezes as Temperature Plunges to 4.5°C Amid Cold Wave; Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’
This marks the joint lowest minimum temperature of the season, matching the 4.5°C recorded in the city on December 12.
Coldwave Grips Delhi: Mercury Drops to Season’s Joint Lowest, Air Quality Worsens
Delhi experienced another frigid morning on Monday, as coldwave conditions persisted for the second consecutive day. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung, the city’s representative weather station, plummeted to 4.5°C — four degrees below the seasonal average. This matches the season’s lowest minimum temperature, which was previously recorded on December 12. Several areas in the national capital witnessed shallow fog, reducing visibility to around 800 metres, while the city’s air quality took a significant hit.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi fell into the ‘very poor’ category, with an average AQI of 351 recorded at 9 am on Monday, worsening from 294 (‘poor’) recorded at 4 pm on Sunday. This marks a decline in air quality, despite what has otherwise been a relatively clean December. Notably, the last instance of a higher average AQI was on November 23, when the index touched a hazardous 412.
Meteorological experts attribute this dip in air quality to a decrease in wind speed, which has slowed pollutant dispersion. Winds are expected to remain weak, with speeds below 5 km/hr forecast for Tuesday. According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet, “A feeble western disturbance impacting northwest India has slowed down winds, keeping the AQI in the ‘very poor’ category.”
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the coldwave will continue, with Safdarjung’s minimum temperature likely hovering around 5°C on Tuesday. Certain areas in Delhi, such as Pusa and Ayanagar, reported even colder conditions, with minimum temperatures dipping to 3.5°C and 4°C, respectively, on Monday.
As per IMD criteria, coldwave conditions are declared when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C and is at least 4.5°C below the seasonal average. Alternatively, a coldwave is also identified if the minimum temperature falls below 4°C, regardless of the deviation from normal.
The current weather patterns highlight the severity of Delhi’s winter this year. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold and remain mindful of deteriorating air quality, which poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
With the ongoing coldwave and stagnant air, Delhi’s weather underscores the urgent need for measures to mitigate both extreme winter conditions and air pollution.