Delhi Shivers at 2.9°C: 5 Alarming Signs as Cold Wave Tightens Grip, AQI Remains Poor
Cold wave grips Delhi as temperatures plunge to 2.9°C. Read 6 key updates on poor AQI, dense fog, and how it’s impacting daily life
Delhi is battling one of its harshest winter spells of the season as a severe cold wave tightened its grip on the national capital, pushing minimum temperatures down to 2.9°C. The bone-chilling cold, coupled with poor air quality and dense fog, has disrupted daily life, affected visibility, and raised serious health concerns for residents.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave conditions are likely to persist for several more days, with no immediate relief in sight. As winter peaks, Delhiites are facing a triple challenge—plunging temperatures, hazardous air quality, and reduced visibility—making this one of the toughest weather phases of the season.
The mercury dropped sharply in the early hours, with Safdarjung Observatory—Delhi’s primary weather station—recording a minimum temperature of 2.9°C, significantly below the seasonal average. Several suburban and low-lying areas reported even lower “feels-like” temperatures due to icy winds.
IMD officials confirmed that the sharp dip was caused by:
- Clear night skies
- Dry northwesterly winds
- Snowfall in the western Himalayan region
These factors combined to allow rapid heat loss from the Earth’s surface, intensifying cold wave conditions across Delhi and NCR.
As per IMD guidelines, a cold wave is declared when:
- Minimum temperature drops below 4°C, or
- Temperature remains 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal
Delhi currently meets both criteria in multiple locations, prompting authorities to issue advisories, especially for vulnerable groups.
Adding to commuters’ woes, dense fog blanketed several parts of Delhi during the early morning hours. Visibility levels in some areas dropped to less than 50 metres, severely impacting road, rail, and air traffic.
- IGI Airport vicinity
- East and North Delhi
- Yamuna floodplains
- Outer Ring Road
- Ghaziabad–Noida stretches
Dozens of flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, while train services across North India ran behind schedule due to low visibility conditions.
Traffic police urged motorists to:
- Use fog lights
- Maintain low speed
- Avoid unnecessary early-morning travel
Despite strong winter winds, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category, compounding health risks. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels hovered between 220 and 280 in several monitoring stations.
- Cold air traps pollutants close to the ground
- Reduced wind speed limits dispersion
- Increased biomass burning in nearby states
- Vehicle emissions peak during foggy conditions
Doctors warn that breathing polluted air during extreme cold can aggravate:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Heart conditions
- Respiratory infections
Children, elderly people, and those with pre-existing illnesses have been advised to remain indoors during early mornings and late evenings.
The IMD has predicted that cold wave conditions will continue for at least 4–5 days, with minimum temperatures likely to remain between 2°C and 4°C.
- Night & early morning: Dense to very dense fog
- Daytime: Shallow fog with weak sunshine
- Wind speed: Low to moderate
- Rain: No significant rainfall expected
Meteorologists caution that absence of rainfall will prolong pollution and fog issues.
The extreme cold has disrupted routine life across Delhi.
- Morning school attendance affected
- Office commuters delayed due to fog
- Homeless shelters witnessing higher footfall
- Increased electricity demand due to heaters
Delhi government authorities have instructed night shelters to provide additional blankets and warm meals for the homeless.
Hospitals across the city have reported an uptick in patients suffering from:
- Hypothermia symptoms
- Severe cough and cold
- Chest congestion
- Viral fever
Doctors advise residents to:
- Wear layered clothing
- Cover head and extremities
- Avoid early morning walks
- Stay hydrated
Although cities like Shimla or Srinagar record lower temperatures, Delhi often feels colder due to:
- High humidity during fog
- Pollution-induced chill
- Concrete-heavy urban landscape
Experts say the “wind chill factor” and pollution make cold more uncomfortable.
The cold wave is not limited to Delhi alone. Several North Indian states including:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
have recorded near-freezing temperatures. Hill states continue to receive snowfall, feeding icy winds into the plains.
According to IMD models, slight relief may arrive after a western disturbance approaches the region. However, experts warn that any relief will be temporary, and winter conditions may remain harsh till the end of January.
