New Delhi: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are predicted to be hit with a cold wave next week. The temperature in Delhi yesterday was 12.2°C. Next week, the temperature is expected to go as low as 3°C.
The India Meteorological Department said a cold wave will hit several areas of Delhi between January 16 and 18. "The minimum temperature at Ayanagar and Ridge may settle around 3 degree Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday." The weather department has warned people of frostbite and instructed them to limit outdoor activity. "Eat vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables and drink sufficient warm fluids to maintain adequate immunity. Avoid or limit outdoor activities," read the IMD advisory.
Delhi residents are already struggling with low-temperature nights for the past several weeks.
Another weather agency, Skymet reported that icy cold winds from the North have already caused temperatures in Rajasthan and Gujarat to drop. The agency refuted an expert's claim that Delhi temperatures can go as low as -4°C. "Delhi may witness a minimum of 3-4 degrees between 16 and 18 Jan but won't go below 0 degrees in any way. Isolated pockets may witness a minimum around 2 degrees."
Homeless people and stray animals are hit by the cold the hardest. Authorities are setting up more shelter homes.