Delhi continued to grapple with extremely poor air quality on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 323 at 8 am, placing it in the “very poor” category. This marked a slight increase from Thursday afternoon, when the AQI was 304, indicating that hazardous air conditions persist for residents of the capital.

The city also recorded a minimum temperature of 5.6°C, which is four degrees below the normal for this period and represents the coldest start to the season for a second consecutive day. The dip in temperatures follows a trend observed over the past week, with December 1 registering 5.7°C as the lowest minimum since at least 2011. By comparison, the minimum temperature during the same period last year was 8°C, while in 2023 it was 9.5°C, and in 2022 it was 7.6°C.

Cold Wave Conditions Persist

Meteorologists have attributed the chilly conditions to cold northwesterly winds blowing from snow-covered mountains to the plains of northwest India. Isolated cold wave conditions were forecast to persist in parts of the region until December 5, maintaining the season’s lowest temperatures. Skymet Weather vice president Mahesh Palawat noted that these strong winds are not only causing the cold but also influencing air quality by preventing pollutants from accumulating rapidly in the capital.

Air Quality Trends

Delhi’s AQI has hovered in the “very poor” range for several consecutive days, reflecting the high concentration of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air. At 8 am on Friday, the AQI reached 323, up from 304 at 4 pm on Thursday. Such readings pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Authorities and experts have warned that the “very poor” air quality is likely to persist at least until December 7. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, use masks when venturing outside, and take precautions to reduce exposure to polluted air.

Impact on Daily Life

The combination of low temperatures and high pollution levels can exacerbate respiratory problems, leading to increased hospital visits for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses. Schools and offices may experience a higher absentee rate as people attempt to minimize exposure to outdoor air.

Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and may issue advisories or implement measures to reduce emissions from vehicles, construction, and industrial activities if pollution levels worsen. Meanwhile, residents are urged to stay informed about daily AQI updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

In summary, Delhi is experiencing a challenging mix of very poor air quality and below-normal temperatures, with both conditions expected to persist in the coming days, highlighting the need for vigilance and preventive measures.