Delhi experienced an early onset of winter chills, with temperatures plunging to 4.9°C on Wednesday, marking the coldest early December in 14 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The sharp drop in temperature has been accompanied by chilly winds, ushering in cold wave conditions across the capital.
This is the first time since 2009 that Delhi’s minimum temperature in early December has dipped below 5°C. The lowest minimum temperature during this period was previously recorded at 4.1°C on December 6, 1987.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert, cautioning residents of continued cold wave conditions for the next two days. Wednesday’s minimum of 4.9°C was 4.7 degrees below the seasonal average, with Tuesday's reading at a comparatively warmer 8°C.
Cold wave conditions occur when the minimum temperature drops 4.5 to 6.4°C below the normal for the day. If the departure exceeds 6.4°C, it qualifies as a "severe cold wave."
The IMD attributes the current cold spell to surface winds from the northwest blowing at 8–10 km/h and the absence of western disturbances. These conditions are expected to maintain minimum temperatures between 4–6°C over the next few days, with cold wave conditions persisting until December 13.
While Wednesday’s high temperature reached 23°C, 1.8 degrees below average, breezy conditions (winds at 16 km/h) kept the day cool. The IMD predicts a clear sky on Thursday, with smog or mist likely to settle in during the evening or night.
Air quality remains a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 199 (moderate) on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The primary pollutants, PM2.5 and PM10, pose significant health risks due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
Delhi residents are also in need of preparing for continued cold and poor air quality, as the Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts the AQI to deteriorate to 'poor' levels over the next two days. The cold wave is expected to intensify, reinforcing the need for warm clothing and caution during outdoor activities.