Delhi Shivers Under Dense Fog and Cold Wave, AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’

Temperature dips to 8°C as fog blankets the capital; night shelters see full occupancy amid harsh winter conditions.

New Delhi, January 8: Delhi woke up to dense fog and biting cold winds on Wednesday as temperatures dipped sharply, reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 8°C and a maximum of 16°C, accompanied by “very dense fog.”

The bitter cold has driven many homeless individuals to seek refuge in night shelters across the city. Visuals from areas like Sarai Kale Khan, Ram Leela Maidan, and Nigam Bodh Ghat revealed shelters filled to capacity, with every available bed occupied.

To address the rising demand for warmth and shelter, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents across the capital, including at AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin Flyover.

Residents were seen huddled around bonfires in various parts of the city as they tried to stay warm amid the biting chill.

Air Quality Worsens Amid Weather Conditions

Adding to the discomfort, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 326 at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, falling into the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An AQI between 301-400 is considered ‘very poor’, posing health risks to vulnerable groups. Despite an improvement in AQI over the weekend leading to the revocation of Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in place.

Conditions Across Neighboring Regions

In Uttar Pradesh, temperatures also plummeted, with residents in Ayodhya taking shelter in night homes to escape the freezing conditions.

Precautionary Advisory Issued

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, minimize outdoor activities, and dress warmly, especially during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.

The IMD has predicted continued foggy and cold conditions for the next few days, urging people to take necessary precautions against both the cold and poor air quality.

With cold winds, dense fog, and an escalating AQI crisis, Delhi remains gripped by a challenging winter spell.