Delhi Shivers Under Dense Fog and Cold Wave as AQI Hits ‘Very Poor’ Category

As temperatures drop and air quality worsens, night shelters see full occupancy while North India battles cold wave conditions.

New Delhi, January 4: Delhi woke up to a blanket of dense fog and a biting cold wave on Saturday morning, with the minimum temperature dipping to 10.2°C at 5:30 AM, slightly higher than the 9.6°C recorded the previous day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Adding to the winter woes, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor‘ category, registering 385 at 6:00 AM, compared to 348 at the same time yesterday, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor‘ and can cause respiratory discomfort, particularly for sensitive groups.

Shelter Amid the Chill

As temperatures plunged, homeless people flocked to night shelters across Delhi. A night shelter on Lodhi Road reported full occupancy, reflecting the growing demand for safe havens amid the cold spell.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents across key locations, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover, offering warmth and basic amenities to those in need.

North India Shivers Under Cold Wave

Other northern states also battled dense fog and icy winds. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.4°C at 5:30 AM. The city of Mainpuri remained shrouded in a thick fog blanket, causing poor visibility and disrupted transportation.

Unusual Warmth in Shimla

In contrast, Shimla recorded its highest-ever daytime temperature for January at 21.6°C on Thursday, surpassing the 21.4°C mark from January 30, 2006.

Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, explained, “The clear skies over the past few days have led to a rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures. However, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected on January 4, bringing heavy snowfall and rain from January 5 to January 7 across Himachal Pradesh.”

Upcoming Weather Forecast

• Himachal Pradesh: Light to moderate rain and snowfall expected in Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur on January 6.
• Punjab and Haryana: Rain and thundershowers likely in adjoining plains on January 6.
• Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -0.6°C at 5:30 AM on Saturday, with freezing conditions persisting across the region.

With dense fog, plummeting temperatures, and deteriorating air quality gripping North India, residents are urged to stay indoors, wear warm clothing, and avoid unnecessary exposure to outdoor air.