Delhi Records Coldest Republic Day in Three Years as Mercury Dips Sharply
The national capital experienced a severe cold spell on Monday, with temperatures plummeting to as low as 3.6°C in parts of the city, marking the coldest Republic Day since 2021. This sharp drop in mercury levels brought isolated cold-wave conditions to Delhi, disrupting the usual winter patterns and highlighting the intensity of the ongoing winter season.
Temperature Plunge and Cold-Wave Conditions
At Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather base station, the minimum temperature was recorded at 4.2°C, which is four degrees below the normal range for this time of year. This reading made January 26, 2024, the chilliest Republic Day in three years, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 when the capital had witnessed a low of 2.1°C. Ayanagar registered the city's lowest minimum at 3.6°C, while the Ridge area logged 5.3°C. Both of these stations met the official criteria for a cold wave on Monday, indicating the severity of the conditions.
Air Quality Deteriorates to Poor Category
Simultaneously, Delhi's air quality took a turn for the worse, slipping back into the 'poor' category after a rare two-day stretch of moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) in January. The 24-hour average AQI rose to 241 at 4 PM on Monday, up from 153 on Sunday, which had been the lowest January reading in four years. This deterioration ended the brief respite and raised concerns about respiratory health among residents.
Weather Patterns and Contributing Factors
Clear skies and persistent northwesterly winds over the weekend were key factors in driving down the temperatures across Delhi. However, wind speeds eased on Monday due to an approaching western disturbance, a weather system that is expected to influence conditions in the coming days. Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that this disturbance is likely to raise the minimum temperature and bring light rain to the region on Tuesday.
IMD Forecast and Alerts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday, forecasting light to moderate rain and snowfall across the western Himalayan region on January 27 and 28. Additionally, light to moderate rain and isolated thunderstorms or hailstorms are anticipated over parts of northwest India. For Delhi specifically, the minimum temperature on Tuesday is projected to remain between 8°C and 10°C, with the maximum ranging from 18°C to 20°C, indicating a slight relief from the intense cold.
Air Quality Outlook
According to the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System, the AQI is expected to improve to the 'moderate' category on January 27 and 28, thanks to the anticipated rainfall and changing weather patterns. However, this improvement may be short-lived, as the system predicts a return to 'poor' air quality from January 29 onward, underscoring the ongoing challenges in managing pollution levels in the capital.
This combination of biting cold and deteriorating air quality has posed significant challenges for Delhi's residents, with authorities urging caution and preparedness for the fluctuating conditions. The IMD's forecasts offer a glimmer of hope for temporary relief, but the underlying issues of winter chill and pollution remain pressing concerns for the city.
