Yellow Alert Issued Amid Severe Cold Wave in Delhi

Delhi experienced its first intense cold wave of the winter season as biting temperatures gripped the national capital, prompting the weather department to issue a yellow alert. The cold spell pushed minimum temperatures at several locations to near-freezing levels, disrupting daily routines and intensifying health and air quality concerns across the city.

Cold Wave Conditions Intensify Across the Capital

According to the India Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures at key weather stations fell sharply below seasonal norms. Safdarjung, Delhi’s principal observatory, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8°C, significantly lower than average. Palam, Ridge and Ayanagar stations witnessed even colder conditions, with mercury levels dipping below 4°C, marking the first cold wave event of the season in the city.

Palam and Ayanagar Record Notable Lows

Palam registered a minimum temperature of 3.0°C, its lowest in 13 years, while Ayanagar emerged as the coldest location at 2.9°C. These readings were over four degrees below normal. Historically, Palam’s all-time lowest temperature remains −2.2°C, recorded in January 1967, underscoring the severity of the current cold spell.

IMD Forecast and Temperature Outlook

The IMD has forecast that cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next two days. Minimum temperatures are expected to range between 3°C and 5°C, while maximum temperatures may hover between 17°C and 19°C. Cold wave conditions are officially declared when minimum temperatures fall 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal levels.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Cold wave conditions are defined based on deviation from normal minimum temperatures.
• Safdarjung Observatory serves as Delhi’s reference weather station.
• Palam recorded its lowest January temperature in 13 years at 3.0°C.
• January 1967 saw Delhi’s lowest-ever temperature at Palam at −2.2°C.

Air Quality Remains a Major Concern

Alongside the cold wave, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed a 24-hour average Air Quality Index of 291. Several monitoring stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality, with forecasts indicating little improvement in the coming days.