Delhi woke up to biting cold on Friday as the minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. The cold snap comes amid poor air quality and dense fog enveloping parts of north and northeast India.Temperatures across the Plains of Northwest India dipped below 11°C today - wrap yourselves up in some extra layers to stay warm! #WinterIsHere #Winter2020 #NorthwestIndia #ColdWeather@moesgoi @DDNewslive @ndmaindia @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/d3dtyin3EA— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 15, 2023Coldest day of the season The mercury plunged to 4.9 degrees Celsius in the early hours today, according to the Safdarjung monitoring station of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks Delhis coldest morning yet this winter, dipping even below Himachal Pradeshs capital Shimla, as the minimum temperature of the hill station was recorded at 6.8 degrees.Ongoing Cold Wave Delhi has seen below-normal temperatures for several consecutive days now. On Thursday, the minimum was 6.2 degrees Celsius - lower than the seasons average. Wednesday, Tuesday and Monday also registered lower minimums of 7.4 degrees, 6.8 degrees and 6.5 degrees respectively. Toxic air worsens plight The falling mercury has coincided with hazardous pollution levels, increasing the misery of Delhiites. At the Anand Vihar monitoring station this morning, the air quality index (AQI) hit 475 or severe, while the overall city index stood at 358 or very poor. Dense fog In northern and northeast statesAreas in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura woke up to shallow or moderate fog, hampering visibility. The IMD said very dense fog prevailed over isolated regions in Punjab in particular. Fog Observed (at 0530 hours IST of today, 15th Dec): Very dense fog observed at isolated pockets over Punjab shallowto moderate fog observed in isolated pockets of UttarPradesh, Bihar, Assam& Meghalaya and Tripura.— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 15, 2023The cold conditions, toxic air and fog cover look set to continue over the next few days in the capital and northern India. The IMD predicts Delhis maximum will hover at 24 degrees over the weekend. Minimums are likely to stay below 6 degrees.
