New Delhi – Delhi continued to reel under cold wave conditions on Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of subnormal temperatures in the national capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s representative weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 3.8°C, plunging 3.6 degrees below normal for this time of year. Other prominent observatories across the city also recorded near-freezing conditions, with Lodhi Road registering 3.6°C, Ayanagar 4°C, Palam 4.4°C, and the Ridge area 4.6°C.

The persistent cold wave has been notable not only for its intensity but also for its duration. On Tuesday, Delhi had recorded a minimum temperature of 3°C, the coldest in three years since January 2023. The Ayanagar station had logged a low of 2.9°C on Sunday, marking the lowest temperature of the season for any weather station in the city so far. The sustained chill has kept residents bundling up in layers, while also posing challenges for daily commuters and vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly and children.

The cold wave has coincided with deteriorating air quality, exacerbating health concerns for Delhiites. On Wednesday morning at 9 am, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 354, classified as “very poor.” This was only slightly lower than the 360 recorded at 4 pm on Tuesday. The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that Delhi will continue to experience very poor air quality until January 22, raising concerns about respiratory problems, eye irritation, and general discomfort among the population.

IMD officials explained that multiple weather stations across the city recorded temperatures of 4°C or lower on Wednesday, meeting the criteria for a cold wave. By definition, a cold wave occurs when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C and the departure from normal is 4.5°C or more. Any station recording 4°C or lower is also classified as experiencing cold wave conditions, emphasizing the intensity of the current chill.

Residents and commuters have reported frost on vehicles and roads during early morning hours, while dense fog has continued to affect visibility in various parts of the city, slowing traffic and posing safety hazards. With the combination of cold and poor air quality, outdoor activities have been limited, and schools and local authorities have issued advisories urging caution.

The meteorological outlook suggests that the cold wave may begin to ease from Thursday as a feeble western disturbance approaches the region. Minimum temperatures are expected to rise gradually, with forecasts predicting 4–6°C on Thursday, 5–7°C on Friday, and 8–10°C by Sunday. However, officials have cautioned that while temperatures may increase, cold winds and residual fog could continue to make mornings and nights particularly chilly for the coming days.

This cold spell, while intense, is not unprecedented for Delhi, which has recorded severe winter lows in the past. Yet the combination of prolonged cold and very poor air quality has made it particularly challenging for the city’s residents. Health authorities have recommended limiting outdoor exposure, using masks to mitigate the effects of pollution, and ensuring that vulnerable family members are kept warm, especially during early mornings and late nights.

As the city braces for a gradual rise in temperatures later this week, the current cold wave serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between meteorological conditions and urban life in Delhi. Clear skies and cold northwesterly winds, typical of winter in northwest India, have contributed to strong radiative cooling at night, pushing temperatures sharply downward. Meanwhile, stagnant atmospheric conditions have allowed pollutants to accumulate, creating a dangerous combination of cold and smog.

In conclusion, Delhi’s residents have endured four days of intense cold, with temperatures remaining significantly below normal and air quality hovering in the “very poor” category. While a feeble western disturbance is expected to provide some relief later in the week, the immediate outlook requires continued vigilance. Authorities and residents alike must navigate the challenges posed by extreme winter conditions, ensuring safety, warmth, and health amid one of the coldest spells the city has experienced in recent years.