Delhi is set to experience cold-day conditions on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature dipping to 9.6°C—three degrees above normal—accompanied by poor air quality. The city recorded an average air quality index (AQI) of 248 (poor) at 9 a.m., a notable drop from the previous day’s 173 (moderate) recorded at 4 p.m.
Monday saw parts of Delhi experiencing “cold-day” to “severe cold-day” conditions, with icy northwesterly winds sweeping through the region. The Safdarjung weather station, a representative of the city’s climate, reported a maximum temperature of 15°C, five degrees below normal. West Delhi’s Pusa recorded the lowest maximum temperature of 12.8°C, marking eight degrees below the usual. Skies remained overcast throughout the day, contributing to the chill.
According to the India Meteorological Department, “cold-day” conditions occur when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C below normal, while “severe cold-day” conditions are marked when the maximum temperature is 6.5°C or more below normal, and the minimum temperature stays below 10°C. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was recorded at 10.3°C, meeting the “cold-day” criteria, while Pusa and Palam experienced “severe cold-day” conditions.
As the cold northwesterly winds continue, isolated parts of Delhi may continue to experience similar conditions on Tuesday. Despite the chill, December has been noted as Delhi’s cleanest since AQI measurements began in 2015, with an average AQI of 294 for the month.
