Delhi experienced a chilly start on Tuesday as the minimum temperature dropped to below 10°C, two notches below the season’s average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the minimum temperature will further dip to 7°C later in the day. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality continues to be a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘poor’ category at 260 in West Delhi.
Monday had already witnessed a sudden drop in temperature, with the minimum settling at 8.2°C, 1.2 degrees below the seasonal average. This drop follows light rain showers that affected parts of the city on Sunday evening.
The IMD forecasts that the temperature will continue to decrease over the next few days, with the possibility of it dipping to 6°C. Moderate fog is also expected to impact visibility. During the day, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 23°C, in line with Sunday’s temperature, which saw the second-lowest daytime reading of the winter season at 23.7°C.
Along with the cold weather, Delhi’s air quality remains a major concern. The AQI, measured at 260 at 9 AM by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), continues to linger in the ‘poor’ category, affecting both visibility and public health. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory issues, as air quality deteriorates.
