Delhi shivered through its coldest day of the season on Thursday, with the minimum temperature plummeting to 4.5°C. The cold wave was especially severe in isolated pockets such as Ayanagar and Pusa, where the mercury fell to 3.8°C and 3.2°C, respectively.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave conditions are declared when temperatures drop below 4.1°C or if the departure from normal is 4.4°C or more below the average.
This winter chill marks a rare occurrence, as Delhi’s minimum temperatures in early December have dipped below 5°C for the first time in 14 years. The IMD forecast predicts clear skies for the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 23 degree celsius.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality has worsened, moving from the moderate category to poor. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 262 at 9 am, a sharp rise from Wednesday’s 24-hour average of 199.
Residents are advised to stay warm and monitor air quality levels, especially those with respiratory issues, as winter intensifies in the capital.
