Cold Wave to Persist in Delhi Until January 5; Dense Fog and Poor Air Quality Continue

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist in parts of Delhi until January 5. A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls between 4.5 and 6.5 degrees Celsius below the average temperature for the season. The department also mentioned that dense fog is expected to continue during the night and morning hours, affecting visibility and causing a chill in the air.

On Friday morning, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung was recorded at 9.1°C, with other areas like Palam and Lodhi Road reporting temperatures of 9°C, Ridge at 8.7°C, and Ayanagar at 8.1°C. These readings reflect the ongoing cold day conditions in the national capital. The maximum temperature for the day is expected to reach around 18°C.

The IMD also stated that the dense fog would continue to blanket the city during the early hours, making travel difficult for many. The ongoing cold wave, along with the fog, has further compounded the discomfort in the city, with temperatures remaining unusually low for this time of year.

Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi remained a cause for concern, with the air quality index (AQI) still in the "very poor" category. The AQI was recorded at 302 in the morning, which is significantly higher than the normal range. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that 19 monitoring stations in the city fell under the "very poor" category, with one station in the "severe" category, further highlighting the unhealthy air conditions.

Although there was a slight improvement in air quality compared to Thursday, when the 24-hour average AQI stood at 380, the situation remains serious. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, air quality is expected to stay in the "very poor" range until January 4, with similar conditions likely to continue over the following days. The combination of the cold wave, dense fog, and poor air quality is making life difficult for Delhi residents, who are urged to take precautions.