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Delhi Shivers at 2.9°C as Cold Wave Tightens Grip, AQI Stays Poor

Delhi is in the grip of a severe cold wave, with Ayanagar recording a chilling minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department reported similar extreme lows across the city, including Palam at 3.0°C, its lowest in years. Concurrently, air quality remains a significant concern, with the overall AQI registering at 293 in the 'poor' category. Residents face compounded discomfort from the biting cold and reduced visibility due to morning fog and smog.

Key Points: Delhi Cold Wave: Temp Dips to 2.9°C, AQI Remains Poor

  • Ayanagar records 2.9°C
  • Palam sees 3.0°C, a multi-year low
  • Overall AQI at 293 in 'poor' range
  • Fog reduces visibility in key areas
2 min read

Delhi freezes at 2.9 degrees Celsius as cold wave intensifies, AQI remains 'poor'

Delhi's cold wave intensifies with a low of 2.9°C. AQI stays in 'poor' category at 293, adding to residents' winter woes.

"Several parts of the city witnessed cold wave conditions - IMD Data"

New Delhi, January 12

New Delhi reeled under an intense cold spell as temperatures dipped sharply across the national capital, with Ayanagar recording the lowest minimum temperature at 2.9 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Several parts of the city witnessed cold wave conditions on Sunday night, with minimum temperatures plunging close to the three-degree mark. Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 3.0 degrees Celsius, its lowest in several years. IMD data suggests that similar cold conditions are likely to persist through the day.

At Safdarjung, the minimum temperature was 4.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday night and is expected to drop further to around 3 degrees Celsius tonight. The Ridge station recorded a minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature there reached 18.8 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, air pollution levels remained a concern. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 293, falling under the 'poor' category as of 7 am on Monday. This marked a slight rise compared to Saturday's AQI reading of 291.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.

A thin layer of fog blanketed areas such as Dhaula Kuan and Sarai Kale Khan during the early morning hours.

Meanwhile, cold conditions have persisted over the past few days. The capital woke up to a windy and chilly Sunday morning, with temperatures around 6.6 degrees Celsius in the early hours. A thin layer of smog reduced visibility across several areas, adding to the discomfort faced by residents.

On Saturday, the minimum temperature dipped to 5.4 degrees Celsius, with rainfall reported in parts of the city. On Friday, minimum temperatures hovered around 5 degrees Celsius as cold weather continued to grip the capital.

Meanwhile, rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade are underway on Kartavya Path amid harsh winter conditions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The cold is one thing, but the AQI being 'poor' on top of it is a double whammy. Can't even open the windows for fresh air. It feels like we're just moving from one extreme to another every year.
A
Ananya R
My heart goes out to the Republic Day parade participants rehearsing in this weather. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 On a practical note, everyone please check on your elderly neighbors and make sure they have enough blankets.
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Vikram M
The article mentions the temperature, but the real feel is much lower because of the wind chill. And with the fog/smog mix, driving is a nightmare. Authorities should have better advisories out.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the cold wave is serious, I feel the focus is always on Delhi. Many northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and UP are facing similar or worse conditions. The national media coverage needs to be more balanced.
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Priya S
Time for endless cups of chai and pakoras! On a serious note, the pollution combined with the cold is terrible for people with asthma and other respiratory issues. Please wear a good mask if you're stepping out.

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