Delhi Shivers at 2.9°C as Cold Wave Tightens Grip on the Capital

New Delhi: Delhi woke up on Sunday to one of its coldest mornings this winter, with the mercury dipping as low as 2.9 degrees Celsius at isolated spots in the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow cold-wave alert for the capital, warning that the chill is likely to stick around through Monday. 

How low did temperatures go?

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Safdarjung, the primary weather monitoring station of Delhi recorded a minimum of 4.8 degrees Celsius, several other areas felt much colder. Ayanagar dropped to 2.9 degrees Celsius, Palam hovered around 3 degrees Celsius, and the Ridge saw lows near 3.7 degrees Celsius. These readings are below normal for this time of year and enough to trigger the IMD's cold-wave criteria in isolated pockets of the city.

The regional weather office in a post on X said, “Cold Wave Conditions realized over Delhi as Palam, Ridge and Ayanagar reported Minimum Temperatures less than 4.1 degree Centigrade. Cold Wave conditions are likely to continue tomorrow as well with Yellow Alert.”

Is the smog situation improving or getting worse?

The cold, calm air and early-morning fog have combined to hold pollutants close to the ground. At around 10 am on Sunday, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the poor category at about 290, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

Some neighbourhoods, however, continued to report much higher levels, pushing into the very poor range.

How is visibility and travel affected?

IMD's forecast states, “Mainly clear sky. Cold wave conditions at isolated places. Moderate fog at many places with dense fog at isolated places during morning hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are likely to be in the ranges of 16°C to 18°C and 3°C to 5°C, respectively.”

Foggy conditions persisted in parts of the region, prompting an advisory from Indira Gandhi International Airport for passengers to check with airlines before travelling. While operations were reported as normal on Sunday, low visibility remains a concern for early flights.

Who needs to take extra care?

Doctors and local authorities are advising residents, especially older adults, children, and those with respiratory or heart issues, to limit time outdoors in the early morning hours. The combination of cold and lingering pollution can aggravate existing health problems.

Winter isn’t over yet for Delhi. While daytime temperatures may feel milder in the sun, the early hours are expected to stay cold and hazy for the next couple of days, a reminder that North India’s winter has still not loosened its grip.