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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: A thick layer of fog enveloped parts of Delhi on Wednesday morning as the minimum temperature fell to 5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi remained in the “severe” category with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 442 at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi’s minimum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 5°C with dense fog and deteriorating air quality and the cold weather conditions created poor visibility. The air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to deteriorate, falling into the ‘Very Poor’ category as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi’s overall AQI breached 440 on Wednesday.
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A cold wave has hit India, leaving several states grappling with extreme cold conditions as temperatures drop to freezing levels. Among the worst-affected regions are Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha, and Delhi. Faridkot in Punjab experienced the coldest night with the temperature dipping to 0°C. Amritsar followed at 2.6°C, while Ludhiana and Patiala recorded 4.8°C. Other cities including Pathankot, Bathinda, and Gurdaspur registered 2.8°C, 3°C, and 3.5°C respectively, as the cold wave persisted.
Haryana continued to experience freezing conditions, with Hisar recording the lowest temperature at 1.6°C. Sirsa, Karnal, Rohtak, and Bhiwani registered minimum temperatures between 2.6°C and 5.7°C. Karauli, Rajasthan, recorded the coldest night at 1.3°C, followed by Fatehpur at 2.5°C. The IMD has cautioned about further temperature drops due to an approaching western disturbance.
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The IMD has forecast harsher cold conditions in the coming days. A new westerly disturbance is expected to impact the Himalayan region starting December 18. This weather system may bring severe cold to parts of Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas.
Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in the NCR since December 16 to tackle escalating pollution levels. These measures include curbing non-essential construction and demolition activities, regulating industrial emissions, and limiting the use of private vehicles to reduce pollution. Under Grap-IV, there will be a ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities, and schools have shifted to a hybrid mode.
