Delhi Shivers as Minimum Temperature Dips to 6°C, AQI Remains in ‘Poor’ Category

"IMD warns of further drop in temperature amid severe cold wave conditions; air quality deteriorates across the capital."

New Delhi, December 15: Delhi’s winter chill intensified on Sunday as the minimum temperature dropped to 6°C, down from 9.4°C recorded the previous day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Safdarjung Observatory, the city’s benchmark weather station, reported a minimum temperature of 4.9°C at 8:30 am, 4°C below the seasonal average.

The Palam Observatory recorded a minimum of 6.2°C, which is 3°C below normal. The IMD attributes the temperature dip to prevailing northwesterly winds, with the cold wave likely to persist for another day or two.

Severe Cold Wave in North and Central India

IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy explained that the drop in temperature is due to the influence of northwesterly winds, which will soon be replaced by southeasterly winds across North India. “A 1-2°C drop in temperature is expected in Delhi, and severe cold waves are being recorded in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. However, temperatures may rise again by December 16-17 due to a shift in weather patterns,” she told ANI.

Severe cold wave conditions have already gripped several parts of North and Central India, including Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, exacerbating the chill in these regions.

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Air Quality Worsens Amid Cold Conditions

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to deteriorate on Sunday, remaining in the ‘poor’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 246 at 7 am, up from 212 on Saturday.

Key areas like Anand Vihar (292), Alipur (256), Bawana (298), and Mundka (317) reported AQI levels nearing the ‘very poor’ category.

The IMD reported that Delhi’s maximum temperature for the day was 23°C, while relative humidity stood at 11%, with winds blowing at 11 km/hr.

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Delhi’s Coldest Morning of the Season

Earlier this week, Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season on Thursday, with the minimum temperature plunging to 4.5°C.

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IMD’s Outlook

The IMD predicts that the ongoing cold wave will persist for one to two days in North and Central India. Temperatures in Delhi and neighboring regions are expected to gradually rise by December 16-17, bringing some relief from the current chill.