Delhi experienced its coldest December day in the last three years on Thursday, as the minimum temperature plummeted to 4.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that cold wave conditions are expected to persist in isolated areas of the city until the weekend.
On Thursday, the temperature dropped sharply by 0.4°C from Wednesday’s 4.9°C. This is the lowest recorded minimum temperature in December in the past three years, with 2023 and 2022 both seeing temperatures no lower than 4.9°C. The lowest minimum temperature recorded last year was also 4.9°C on December 15, while in 2022, it was 5°C on December 26.
Cold wave conditions were noted at several isolated places in the capital, including Ayanagar and Pusa, where the temperature dropped to 3.8°C and 3.2°C, respectively. According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are declared when the actual temperature falls below 4.1°C or when there is a departure of 4.4°C or more from the normal temperature.
The day’s maximum temperature was recorded at 22.2°C, 0.8°C below normal. Humidity levels fluctuated between 88% and 52% during the day.
The IMD has predicted that cold wave conditions will continue at isolated places in Delhi until December 15. Additionally, smog and mist are expected to affect the city on Friday morning, followed by clear skies during the day. However, the evening and night are likely to bring more smog and mist.
In addition to the chilly weather, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “poor” category, with a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 288. Out of 38 monitoring stations, 20 recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” category, while the remaining stations reported “poor” air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 as “satisfactory,” 101-200 as “moderate,” 201-300 as “poor,” 301-400 as “very poor,” and above 400 as “severe.”
As Delhi faces a prolonged cold spell, residents are urged to take precautions against the cold wave and poor air quality.
Sources By Agencies