Delhi’s saw a foggy morning and a sharp drop in temperatures on Monday as the cold wave swept through the capital. With the mercury dipping to 7.0°C, light rain added to the winter chill. While the air quality improved slightly, it remained in the ‘very poor’ range, raising concerns about public health as pollution levels continue to soar.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi woke up on Monday enveloped in a thick blanket of fog as a cold wave gripped the national capital. The minimum temperature plummeted to 7.0°C, making for a frosty morning, while light rain further intensified the winter chill.
Delhi में Severe Cold के बीच हुई झमाझम बारिश, December में आई Monsoon जैसी फीलिंग! | Weather | NCR#DelhiWeather #DelhiWinter #Rain #ColdWave #PunjabKesariTV pic.twitter.com/UrXGDpvaqs
— Punjab Kesari (@punjabkesari) December 23, 2024
Weather Update
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is set to experience a cloudy sky with intermittent light rain throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to range between a high of 24°C and a low of 7°C. The Met department has also forecasted another spell of light rain between December 26 and 28, which could bring temporary relief to the worsening air quality.
Air Quality: From ‘Severe’ to ‘Very Poor’
Delhi’s air quality showed slight improvement on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) shifting from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor.’ The AQI stood at 389, a marginal decline from Sunday’s alarming 409, categorized as ‘severe.’
The primary pollutant, PM2.5, reached critical levels over the weekend, with 37 out of 39 monitoring stations reporting air quality in the ‘severe plus’ range on Sunday. PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
In some areas, AQI levels peaked at hazardous levels, with Bawana (473), Rohini (464), and Ashok Vihar (456) being the worst affected. Even central areas such as ITO (412) and Burari Crossing (441) reported toxic air quality. However, select locations, including Aya Nagar (356) and IGI Airport (351), saw relatively better air quality within the ‘very poor’ range.
Anti-Pollution Measures Under GRAP Stage IV
Delhi remains under stringent anti-pollution measures as part of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These include:
- A complete ban on construction activities to curb dust pollution.
- Restrictions on the entry of non-essential polluting vehicles into the city.
- Intensified checks on industries to ensure compliance with pollution norms.
These measures aim to reduce pollutant levels, especially during the ongoing cold wave, which causes pollutants to linger in the air due to low wind speeds.
Rain Offers a Silver Lining
Light rain over the next few days may provide temporary relief by settling suspended particulate matter, although experts caution that sustained efforts are essential to improve Delhi’s air quality in the long term.
Public Health Advisory
Residents, especially those in high-risk categories, are advised to:
- Limit outdoor activities, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are highest.
- Use N95 masks when stepping outside.
- Keep windows closed and use air purifiers indoors if available.
While Delhi continues to battle the dual challenges of a biting cold wave and hazardous air quality, residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow official advisories to safeguard their health.
