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Delhi Gripped by Cold Wave as Air Quality Plummets to "Very Poor"

A severe cold wave continues in Delhi, with temperatures dropping to 5.4 degrees Celsius. The city's air quality has sharply deteriorated, with the overall AQI reaching 361, placing it in the "very poor" category. Specific areas like Nehru Nagar and Dwarka Sector 8 recorded even higher pollution levels above 400. The India Meteorological Department and Central Pollution Control Board are monitoring the persistent cold weather and poor air conditions.

Key Points: Delhi Cold Wave Continues, AQI Hits "Very Poor" Levels

  • Temperature drops to 5.4°C
  • AQI surges to 361 (very poor)
  • Nehru Nagar records highest AQI at 426
  • Cold wave and smog blanket the city
2 min read

Cold wave conditions continue in Delhi as AQI slips into 'very poor' category

Delhi faces severe cold wave with temperatures at 5.4°C and air quality deteriorating into the "very poor" category, with AQI reaching 361.

"The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 361, falling under the very poor category - Central Pollution Control Board"

New Delhi, January 10

A thin layer of fog enveloped the national capital on Saturday morning as cold wave conditions continue to grip the region, with temperatures dropping to 5.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The air pollution levels also rose sharply. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 361, falling under the "very poor" category until 7 am.

Several areas across New Delhi recorded AQI levels above 300. Nehru Nagar reported the highest pollution level at 426, followed by Dwarka Sector 8 at 402 and RK Puram at 390. Patparganj registered an AQI of 400, while Chandni Chowk recorded 398. The AQI was 361 in the ITO area and 326 near IGI Airport.

Earlier on Friday, the mercury dipped to 5 degrees Celsius in the national capital on Friday as cold weather continued, with rain lashing parts of the city, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

A thick layer of smog also blanketed several areas, while air quality remained in the 'poor' to 'very poor' category across Delhi, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

CPCB readings showed that Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 280, which falls under the 'poor' category.

Several areas witnessed a sharp decline in air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 385, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Other locations with high AQI levels included Chandni Chowk at 335, Jahangirpuri at 340, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 354, ITO at 307, Ferozeshah Road at 307, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range at 360, Dwarka Sector 8 at 346, Ashok Vihar at 328 and Nehru Nagar at 392.

Some parts of the city recorded relatively better air quality. IGI Airport Terminal 3 reported an AQI of 252, which still falls under the 'poor' category, according to CPCB.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The cold is one thing, but this toxic air is another level of suffering. My morning walk is a thing of the past. We pay such high taxes in this city, where is the investment in clean public transport and effective waste management to tackle this?
D
David E
Visiting Delhi for work from London. The contrast is shocking. The fog and cold I expected, but the burning sensation in my eyes and throat is alarming. It puts the air quality debates back home into perspective. Stay safe, everyone.
A
Aman W
Every year same story. Cold wave + pollution = deadly combo. We common people buy air purifiers and masks, but the root causes aren't addressed. Construction dust, unchecked diesel vehicles, and industrial emissions continue. When will we see a permanent solution?
S
Shreya B
My parents in Patparganj are suffering with AQI 400. They are elderly and can't step out. This isn't just a Delhi problem, it's a North Indian problem. We need a collective regional approach with neighboring states. Blaming each other won't clear the air.
K
Karthik V
While the criticism of authorities is valid, we must also look at our own habits. Diwali crackers, burning garbage, using personal cars for short trips—we contribute too. Change has to start at an individual level as well. Let's be part of the solution.

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