Gurugram Shivers as Mercury Falls to 1.8°C, AQI at 346

Gurugram: Gurugram woke up to a biting cold on Friday as winter tightened its grip. The minimum temperature slid to 1.8 degrees Celsius. Streets were quieter than usual, with many residents delaying early outings to escape the chill. The IMD on Thursday said that "minimum temperatures in Gurugram are likely to remain between 4 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius until January 22."

Why did temperatures drop so sharply?

Weather officials say clear night skies and calm winds allowed heat to escape quickly after sunset. With little cloud cover to trap warmth, temperatures plunged before dawn. Cold wave conditions are being reported across parts of north India, and Gurugram is feeling the full impact.

The IMD on Thursday said that "minimum temperatures in Gurugram are likely to remain between 4 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius until January 22, while maximum temperatures are expected to range from 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius."

Gurugram recorded a maximum temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

“The dry weather spell will continue in the district until January 17. However, a fresh Western Disturbance, seen as a trough in the middle and upper tropospheric westerlies with its axis at 5.8 km above mean sea level running roughly along longitude 45°E north of latitude 23°N, may affect overall conditions in the state,” a senior IMD official said.

What about the air quality today?

The cold wave came with another worry. Air quality in the city remained firmly in the very poor zone. The Air Quality Index stood at 346, a level that can cause breathing discomfort even in healthy people. Those with asthma or other lung problems are at higher risk.

How is winter making pollution worse?

Winter weather often traps pollution close to the ground. Low wind speed and falling temperatures prevent pollutants from dispersing. Vehicle emissions, dust from construction sites, and regional factors add to the smog, leaving a grey haze over many parts of the city.

What lies ahead?

Forecasts suggest cold conditions may continue for the next few days, with only a slight rise in minimum temperatures later. Authorities are advising people to limit outdoor activity during early mornings and keep track of weather and pollution alerts as winter continues to test Gurugram.