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Delhi residents woke up to a significantly colder morning on Sunday, experiencing a cold wave in isolated pockets of the city. The minimum temperature plummeted to 4.9 degrees Celsius, a stark four degrees below the normal temperature for this time of year. This marked a considerable drop from the previous day's 8 degrees Celsius and represented the third instance this month where temperatures dipped below the 5-degree Celsius mark. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cold wave as a situation where the minimum temperature falls below 10°C and is at least 4.5°C below the normal temperature for the region. In PUSA, the minimum temperature was even lower, reaching a frigid 3.8 degrees Celsius – five degrees below normal, firmly placing this area within the cold wave criteria. This persistent cold snap underscores the impact of meteorological phenomena on Delhi's climate and highlights the need for appropriate precautions by the city's residents.
The meteorological department's forecast anticipates similar low temperatures, hovering around 5 degrees Celsius, for the next 2-3 days. This prolonged period of cold weather will undoubtedly continue to impact daily life in Delhi. However, a glimmer of warmer temperatures is on the horizon. A western disturbance is predicted to influence northwest India on December 16 and 17. Mahesh Palawat, vice-chairman for climate change and meteorology at Skymet, attributed the initial temperature drop to consistent northwesterly winds and clear skies. He anticipates a slight increase in temperature from Monday onwards, linked to a decrease in wind speed as a feeble western disturbance approaches. This slight warming trend, however, is not expected to significantly alleviate the cold conditions experienced by the city.
The unusually cold temperatures this December have set new records. The minimum temperature fell below 5 degrees for the first time this season on December 11, reaching 4.9 degrees Celsius. This was followed by an even lower reading of 4.5 degrees on December 12, marking Delhi's lowest December minimum temperature in three years. This prolonged period of sub-5-degree temperatures is a significant event, particularly given the broader climate patterns affecting the region. The impact of the prolonged cold snap extends beyond personal discomfort, directly influencing various sectors of society, from public health to transportation and energy consumption. Furthermore, the persistent cold weather conditions can exacerbate existing health problems for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
While the minimum temperatures have been exceptionally low, the maximum temperature on Sunday reached a relatively normal 23.2 degrees Celsius, marginally lower than the 23.4 degrees Celsius recorded the previous day. However, this relatively mild maximum temperature offers little comfort against the biting cold of the early mornings. This juxtaposition of significantly low minimums and relatively normal maximums highlights the unusual character of the current weather pattern. The cold temperatures have not only made the weather more uncomfortable but have also contributed to a deterioration in Delhi's already concerning air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) started at 265 at 11 am on Sunday and steadily worsened, reaching 294 by evening and a 'very poor' 303 by 6 pm. The average AQI for the day was 294, with most areas experiencing 'very poor' air quality by evening. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecasts that the air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category from December 16 to 18, adding another layer of concern for Delhi's residents.
The confluence of extreme cold and poor air quality presents a significant challenge for the city. The prolonged cold spell is likely to exacerbate respiratory problems, and the poor air quality further complicates the situation. This necessitates urgent action from authorities to implement measures that could mitigate the effects of both. The authorities should consider providing additional support for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with respiratory problems, and also implementing measures to improve air quality. Public awareness campaigns emphasizing protective measures against cold weather and poor air quality are also crucial. The unusual combination of harsh cold and poor air quality underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to manage such environmental events, including better forecasting and preparedness plans to minimize their impact on public health and wellbeing.
Source: Chilly Delhi sees cold wave conditions in some parts