New Delhi: While hill stations are traditionally associated with extreme winter conditions, this season the plains of North India are experiencing even harsher cold, with the national capital recording temperatures lower than several mountainous regions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s minimum temperature was recorded at 5.4°C at 5:30 am on Saturday, marking yet another icy morning for residents. This comes a day after the city registered a minimum temperature of 4.6°C, keeping Delhi below the 6°C mark for two consecutive days.
Meteorological officials noted that such temperatures are lower than those currently prevailing in several hill areas, highlighting the unusual intensity of the cold wave sweeping across the plains.
Cold Wave to Continue Till January 16
The IMD has warned that severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist until January 16, affecting Delhi, NCR, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of northern India. The prolonged cold spell is expected to cause discomfort, especially during early morning and night hours.
Dense Fog Alert Issued
In addition to the biting cold, the weather department has issued a fog alert, predicting moderate to dense fog during morning hours in Delhi, NCR and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra. Reduced visibility is likely to affect road and rail traffic in several regions.
Pollution Adds to Public Distress
Delhiites are also facing a third layer of distress—air pollution. As per official data, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 361 around 7:05 am, falling under the ‘Very Poor’ category. Poor dispersion conditions due to low wind speeds and fog are worsening pollution levels.
Why Is the Cold So Severe?
IMD officials attribute the prolonged cold wave to the active western disturbance over Punjab, which has brought cold northwesterly winds across the plains. Additionally, strong marine winds—reported to be blowing at nearly 135 kmph over adjoining sea regions—are contributing to lower surface temperatures.
What Lies Ahead
Weather experts caution that similar conditions are likely to prevail across most plains of North India till mid-January, urging people to take precautions, especially the elderly, children and those with respiratory ailments.
