Delhi Shivers Amid Cold Wave as the minimum temperature in the national capital dropped to 4.5°C, matching the season’s lowest recorded on December 12. Coldwave conditions gripped several parts of the city on Monday, as Safdarjung, the benchmark for Delhi’s weather, logged temperatures four degrees below normal.
Cold Wave Tightens Its Grip On Delhi
The chilly weather intensified as shallow fog reduced visibility across the capital to around 800 meters. West Delhi’s Pusa recorded the lowest temperature of 3.5°C, followed by Ayanagar at 4°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed coldwave conditions at these locations, where minimum temperatures remained below 4°C.
IMD classifies a coldwave when the minimum temperature is below 10°C, with a departure of 4.5°C or more from normal. Alternatively, it is considered a coldwave if the minimum temperature dips below 4°C.
Air Quality Worsens To ‘Very Poor’
Adding to the discomfort, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category on Monday morning, with an average AQI of 351. This marked a sharp decline from the ‘poor’ AQI of 294 recorded on Sunday evening.
Meteorologists attributed the worsening air quality to reduced wind speeds, which slowed the dispersal of pollutants. Skymet’s Vice President, Mahesh Palawat, noted, “A feeble western disturbance is beginning to impact northwest India, which is slowing down winds. This should keep the AQI likely in the very poor range.”
Delhi’s AQI last breached the 400-mark on November 23, but December has been relatively cleaner, with only two ‘very poor’ air days so far.
Chilly Weather To Persist
IMD has forecast chilly conditions to continue in the coming days, with Safdarjung’s minimum temperature likely to hover around 5°C on Tuesday. Low wind speeds of less than 5 km/hr are expected to persist, which could further impact air quality.
The ongoing coldwave is being exacerbated by the lack of strong winds to disperse cold air and pollutants. Meteorological experts expect relief only when the western disturbance passes and normal wind patterns resume.
Impact On Daily Life
The biting cold has pushed Delhi residents to seek warmth around bonfires and rely on heavy winter clothing. The coldwave has particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including the homeless, with authorities urged to increase night shelter facilities.
The worsening air quality also poses health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The dense fog and low visibility have disrupted morning commutes, with commuters advised to exercise caution.
Regional Weather Updates
Neighboring regions, including Punjab and Haryana, are also experiencing similar coldwave conditions. In some areas, temperatures have dropped below 3°C, leading to widespread frost and challenging agricultural activities.
In the broader northwest India region, the western disturbance is expected to bring slight relief in temperatures but may prolong low wind speeds, keeping air quality in the ‘very poor’ category for the next few days.
A Season To Brace For
With the winter season just beginning, Delhi residents are bracing for colder days ahead. Historically, January is the coldest month, and the city may see more extreme weather conditions as winter deepens. The combined impact of the coldwave and air pollution highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address environmental and public health challenges in the capital.
As Delhi shivers amid the coldwave, the city continues to grapple with a dual challenge of harsh weather and deteriorating air quality, testing the resilience of its residents and infrastructure.