Dense fog enveloped Delhi on Monday as the city grappled with a biting cold snap and light rain, making the weather even more difficult for residents. The minimum temperature is 8 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is 20 degrees Celsius.
Amid the severe weather, footage shows people seeking shelter from the freezing cold in nighttime houses on Lodi Road. “The temperature here has dropped because it has been raining… It started raining around 5 o’clock this morning.” A local resident described the cold weather.
IMD predicts harsh winter is coming
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the number of cold wave days in northwest India will be below normal this winter, suggesting Delhi’s weather woes are likely to continue. Rain and fog have increased the intensity of the cold snap, making it difficult for many people to cope.
Air quality remains ‘serious’
Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate as cold wave hits. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a staggering 403 on Monday morning, firmly in the “severe” category.
The AQI levels in many areas of the city are surprisingly high:
Anand Vihar: 439
Ashok Vihar: 456
Bawana: 473
CRRI Mathura Road: 406
Narela: 430
For context, an AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as “severe,” while anything above 300 is considered “very poor.”
GRAP Phase 4 fully functional
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the fourth phase of the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) measures has been implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. People suffocate.
On December 22, the air quality index was recorded in the “very poor” category, limiting visibility in the capital. The air quality index was 388 at 7 a.m. on Sunday and 398 on Saturday. Other major locations reported similar air pollution levels over the weekend:
This: 384
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 372
Delhi Technological University: 354
IGI Airport (T3): 372
Dubei Campus: 381
However, some districts have entered the “severe” category, including Alipur (411), Anand Vihar (427) and RK Puram (408).
Harsh winter conditions and hazardous air quality have Delhiites fighting on two fronts. The city faces a grim start to winter as cold snaps are expected to increase and air quality shows no signs of improving. As residents prepare for colder days, authorities and citizens must work together to mitigate the twin challenges of pollution and extreme weather.