Delhi Shivers for 5th Consecutive Day: Temperatures Plummet to 2.9°C Amidst 'Very Poor' Air Quality

Image Source: Internet

Delhi has been gripped by a prolonged cold wave, with the mercury plummeting to 2.9°C at the Safdarjung weather observatory, marking the fifth consecutive day of below-average temperatures. The northwesterly winds and dense fog that have been causing the chill have disrupted air and rail traffic, with over 200 flights delayed at the Delhi airport and trains running late. The visibility at Safdarjung was a mere 100 meters, while it was 500 meters at Palam. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung on Thursday was the lowest since January 18, 2023, when it was 2.6°C. Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 2.3°C, the lowest in 20 years. However, relief is expected from Friday onwards as a feeble western disturbance approaches, forecast to raise night-time temperatures to a range of 6-8°C. By Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise to between 8 and 10°C, marking a significant improvement. According to private forecaster Skymet Weather, the absence of cold northwesterly winds should lead to a rise in minimum temperatures for a few days. A second, more active western disturbance is expected to bring rain across the plains on January 22 or 23. The air quality in Delhi has also taken a hit, with a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 349 recorded at 9 am on Thursday, classified as 'very poor'. The air quality is expected to remain poor until at least January 23.