Chilling Alert: Brace Yourself for Cold Grips in Delhi as Temperatures Plunge to a Frigid 3 Degrees!
A cold wave has settled over New Delhi, with residents experiencing some of the chilliest temperatures of the season. On January 12, 2026, many areas recorded minimum temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest January day since January 16, 2023, when temperatures plunged to 1.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Safdarjung Observatory, the city’s main weather station, registered a minimum of 3.2 degrees Celsius-4.2 degrees below the seasonal average.
Other locations within the national capital showed similarly frigid conditions. Palam recorded a low of 3.3 degrees, while Lodhi Road reported 3 degrees. The Ridge area experienced a minimum of 4.2 degrees, and Ayanagar logged 3.2 degrees. The IMD forecasts that maximum temperatures will reach approximately 19 degrees Celsius in the coming days, but cold wave conditions are expected to persist for at least another 48 hours.
In addition to the biting cold, air quality in Delhi remains a pressing concern. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 298, categorizing the air as ‘poor.’ Alarmingly, around 20 monitoring stations recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, with Nehru Nagar facing the most significant challenge at an AQI of 344. The CPCB’s classification indicates that an AQI between 0 and 50 is ‘good,’ while anything above 300 is deemed ‘very poor’ or worse.
As the city grapples with these harsh winter conditions, the combination of low temperatures and poor air quality serves as a reminder for residents to take necessary precautions. Medical professionals advise wearing layers of clothing and minimizing outdoor activities during peak cold hours to mitigate health risks associated with the cold wave.
This cold wave comes amid broader climate trends that have made winter temperatures in the national capital increasingly variable. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with meteorological forecasts and adhere to health advisories to navigate this frigid period effectively.
In such challenging weather, the importance of staying informed cannot be overstated. As New Delhi endures these cold conditions, residents are reminded to stay safe, monitor both temperature and air quality, and prepare for what looks to be a prolonged chill in the days ahead.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/cold-grips-delhi-minimum-temperature-settles-around-3-degrees/article70500294.ece
Category : Delhi
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-01-12 11:28:00
