Delhi witnessed a significant dip in temperature on Thursday as cold wave conditions gripped the city. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital recorded a minimum temperature of 6.4°C at 5:30 AM.
The IMD has forecasted the day’s minimum temperature to drop further to 5°C, while the maximum is expected to hover around 21°C. In recent days, early morning temperatures ranged between 8°C and 11°C, making Thursday’s drop particularly notable.
Although the IMD had predicted “dense fog” for the city, visuals from different parts of Delhi showed varying fog conditions.
As the cold wave persisted, many homeless individuals sought refuge in night shelters across the city. A shelter on Lodhi Road reported full occupancy, reflecting the increasing demand for safe spaces during the cold spell.
The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents to accommodate the homeless. Additional night shelters are operational at locations such as AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover, offering warmth and safety to those in need.
Delhi’s air quality remained in the “poor” category on Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 299 at 7 AM, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as “poor,” while levels above 300 indicate “very poor” or “severe” conditions.
Earlier this week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after a marked improvement in air quality. However, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in effect.
The decision to ease restrictions was made after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed air quality data and forecasts from the IMD and IITM, which indicated a downward trend in AQI levels.
As Delhi continues to grapple with cold wave conditions and fluctuating air quality, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay warm and protect their health.
