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Delhi witnessed a sharp dip in temperature on Monday, with the minimum settling at 5.7°C, over 4 degrees below normal, marking the season’s lowest. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality deteriorated again, recording an overall AQI of 301 in the ‘very poor’ category.
Delhi Shivers as AQI Hits ‘Very Poor’ and Temperature Falls Below 6°C
New Delhi: Cold and pollution combined to exacerbate residents' hardships in the national capital, Delhi, on Monday morning. While temperatures dropped sharply, air quality again reached the "very poor" category. The changing weather and steadily deteriorating air quality have prompted Delhiites to remain vigilant.
On Monday, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 301, which falls in the "very poor" category according to CPCB standards. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s "Sameer" app, 24 of the city's 38 monitoring stations recorded "very poor" pollution levels, while 14 stations recorded "poor" air quality.
Prolonged exposure to "very poor" air can increase respiratory problems, coughing, sore throats, and lung damage. Experts have advised caution, especially for children, the elderly, and asthma patients.
Delhi air pollution sees mild relief as AQI drops below 300; NCR still struggles
Delhiites were startled by a sharp cold wave on Monday morning. According to the Safdarjung Meteorological Center, the temperature dropped to 5.7 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees below normal. This is the lowest minimum temperature recorded so far this season.
The IMD reported that the humidity was recorded at 100% at 8:30 am, making the cold even more severe.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 24 degrees Celsius, but morning and night temperatures will continue to fall.
This trend of falling temperatures in Delhi has continued since last week. On November 26 (Wednesday), the minimum temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius, which was the lowest November temperature in the last three years.
But reaching 5.7 degrees Celsius indicates that winter has arrived earlier than usual this time.
According to weather experts, the passage of a western disturbance and clear skies have led to a rapid increase in cold at night.
Atmospheric conditions typically stabilize in early December, allowing moisture and pollutant particles in the air to settle rapidly.
Low wind speeds, high humidity, and dense fog contribute to air quality deterioration.
Mist and smog were observed in many areas in the morning, reducing visibility.
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
Delhi chokes as 35 areas stay on red alert; Fog and falling temperatures worsen AQI
With an AQI of 301, Delhi's air appears to be moving towards the severely polluted category.
Delhi is currently facing a double challenge, biting cold and toxic air. The Meteorological Department has predicted further cold in the coming days, while pollution levels show no signs of relief. In such a situation, health experts have advised to go out of the house with mask, heater and proper precautions.
