Delhi recorded a significant drop in temperature on Tuesday morning, accompanied by chilly winds and a thin layer of fog. The minimum temperature was 6.6°C, lower than Monday’s 7.8°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain for Delhi on February 1, along with foggy conditions persisting from January 28 to January 31. The city’s minimum temperature is expected to range between 7-11°C during this period.
Cold Wave and Fog in North India
Cold wave conditions are anticipated in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Uttar Pradesh is likely to experience “dense to very dense fog” during the night and early morning hours until January 30.
In Odisha, dense fog enveloped Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, leading to low visibility.
Air Quality in Delhi
The air quality in Delhi has worsened, with an AQI of 258 in the “poor” category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks a deterioration from Saturday’s “moderate” category reading of 191. The AQI scale categorizes air quality from “good” (0-50) to “severe” (401-500).
Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj
Amid cold weather, large crowds gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela. The IMD predicts a minimum temperature of 8-10°C in Prayagraj for the next three days. Visitors are expected to increase as the second Shahi Snan is scheduled for January 29 on the occasion of Mouni Amavasya.
The region’s winter conditions, coupled with festive gatherings, underscore the importance of preparedness for both weather-related challenges and air quality concerns.