Delhi-NCR Faces Chilly Mornings, 'Very Poor' Air Quality As Cold Wave Intensifies In North India

Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to another chilly morning on Monday, as the average minimum temperature fell below 5 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am. In some areas of Delhi, the temperature dropped even lower than 4.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Pusa was recorded at 3.5 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar saw a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.

In Najafgarh, the minimum temperature was slightly higher, at 6.2 degrees Celsius. On December 15, Delhi-NCR had also experienced a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has warned that the cold wave in Delhi may intensify in the coming days, with shallow fog in various parts due to calm winds and high humidity.

A cold wave warning has also been issued for several northern Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

A cold wave is officially declared in the plains when the minimum temperature drops to 4 degrees Celsius or below, or when it falls by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal. With temperatures hovering around these thresholds, the capital has been experiencing bitterly cold mornings, prompting residents to bundle up.

Amid the intense cold, Delhi's air quality also deteriorated to the 'very poor' category on Monday due to unfavourable weather conditions and low wind speeds.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for the national capital was recorded at 334 at 4 am on Monday.

On Sunday evening, the AQI had already slipped into the 'very poor' category, rising to 307, up from 294 just hours earlier, which had been at the higher end of the 'poor' category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.