Delhi Chills to 9°C: City's Coldest November Day in 3 Years Amid 'Very Poor' Air Quality

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Delhi residents woke up to a chilly Sunday morning, with the city recording its lowest November temperature in three years. The mercury dipped to 9°C, a staggering 4.5°C below the normal average. This marked the coldest November day since 2022, when the city saw a temperature of 7.3°C. In contrast, last year's lowest temperature was 9.2°C on November 23, while this year's previous low was also 9.2°C on November 29. The air quality in Delhi took a turn for the worse on Monday, with the overall AQI standing at a 'very poor' 358 at 8 am. The previous day's 24-hour average AQI was 377 at 4 pm. Several areas in the city, including Narela, Rohini, Wazirpur, and Jahangirpuri, recorded AQIs above 400, classified as 'severe' by the Central Pollution Control Board. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that while the temperature fell to 9°C, a cold wave was not declared on Sunday. However, they warned that it may be announced on Monday if the criteria are met. A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls below 10°C, with a departure of 4.5°C or more below normal for two consecutive days. IMD predicts that the minimum temperature will remain below normal until Friday, with departures likely ranging from 2 to 5°C. The sudden drop in temperatures is attributed to a combination of clear skies and steady northwesterly winds.