The national capital woke up to a cold wave for the second consecutive day on Monday as the temperature dropped further. Safdarjung being the representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded a temperature of 4.5 degree celsius.
However, some areas experienced even colder temperatures, with Pusa recording 3.5°C and Ayanagar registering 4°C. Najafgarh was relatively warmer, with a minimum temperature of 6.2°C.
A minimum visibility of approximately 800 metres accompanied by dense fog was witnessed across the heart of India; Delhi, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated to the very poor category.The average AQI was recorded at 351 (very poor) at 9 am.
Meteorological experts reported that the drop in wind speed is the reason behind this deterioration.
“A feeble western disturbance is beginning to impact northwest India, which is slowing down winds. This should keep the AQI likely in the very poor, range,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet.
Chilly Weather will Persist, Says IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the chilly weather will persist, with the minimum temperature at Safdarjung expected to remain around 5°C on Tuesday. On Monday, the lowest minimum temperature recorded was 3.5°C in Pusa, west Delhi, and 4°C in Ayanagar, both of which experienced coldwave conditions, according to the IMD.
IMD classifies it as a coldwave when the minimum temperature is below 10°C, with the departure also being 4.5°C or more below normal. It can also be called a coldwave if the minimum is below 4°C.
