Delhi Experiences Coldest Morning of the Season Amidst Severe Weather Alerts
Severe Cold Wave Hits National Capital
On Saturday, the national capital recorded its coldest morning of the winter season, with forecasts indicating worsening conditions over the next two days due to a cold wave. The Safdarjung Observatory in Delhi reported a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest January morning since 2024 and the lowest temperature recorded this season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature reached only 19.7 degrees Celsius, which is below the normal range. The department has issued a yellow alert for Sunday and Monday, warning of moderate to dense fog and the continuation of the cold wave. It is expected that moderate to dense fog will persist in the morning hours.
A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature drops between 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal. On Saturday, the minimum temperatures recorded were 4.2 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung, 4.5 degrees at Palam, 4.7 degrees at Lodhi Road, 5.3 degrees at Ridge, and 4.5 degrees at Ayanagar. This temperature made Saturday morning the coldest January morning in the past three years.
Previously, on January 15, 2024, temperatures had plummeted to 3.3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi has deteriorated, falling into the 'very poor' category. By 4 PM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 346, with Chandni Chowk reaching 395, nearing the 'severe' category.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) via the Sameer app indicated that 27 monitoring stations reported 'very poor' air quality, while 11 stations recorded 'poor' levels. According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 falls into the 'severe' category.
The Decision Support System reported that local pollution from transportation emissions contributed 10.84 percent, while nearby industries accounted for 11.08 percent. The Air Quality Warning System predicts that air quality will remain in the 'very poor' category until January 13.