Northern India is shivering under a severe cold wave as temperatures continue to plummet across Delhi NCR, Punjab, and Haryana. Alongside biting cold, the national capital and neighboring states are grappling with deteriorating air quality, intensifying winter woes for residents.
Mercury Hits New Lows in Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a significant drop in temperatures across Delhi on Sunday. At 5:30 PM, the city recorded a chilling 4.9 degrees Celsius. The Pusa Observatory noted a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius, a sharp five-degree plunge, while Narela saw lows of 5 degrees Celsius.
The freezing temperatures were accompanied by poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘poor’ category. The dual challenge of a cold wave and pollution is making life particularly difficult for the city’s vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
Punjab and Haryana Shiver
In Punjab, several districts are facing harsh cold conditions. Gurdaspur experienced a bone-chilling 2 degrees Celsius, while Bathinda recorded 4.6 degrees Celsius. Pathankot and Amritsar reported minimum temperatures of 3.5 degrees and 3.9 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the IMD.
Haryana isn’t faring any better, with frigid nights reported across major cities. Experts attribute the worsening cold wave to clear skies and northwesterly winds sweeping through the region.
Challenges of Pollution Amid the Cold
The harsh winter has brought an increase in pollution-related problems. Delhi’s AQI remains in the poor category, with the situation likely to worsen due to stagnant air caused by low wind speeds. Experts have warned that the combination of cold and pollution can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Residents Brace for Tougher Days
As temperatures continue to fall, residents are finding ways to cope. Bonfires have become a common sight in Gurugram and other parts of Delhi NCR, as people try to stay warm. However, the dense fog and poor air quality have disrupted daily routines, including delays in transportation and reduced visibility during early morning hours.
IMD Issues Advisory
The IMD has urged citizens to take precautions, including wearing warm clothing, avoiding exposure to the cold, and using air purifiers indoors to mitigate the effects of pollution. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have been advised to cover their crops to protect them from frost.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days, with temperatures potentially dipping further. Authorities are on alert, and citizens are bracing for harsher weather conditions.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
