New Delhi [India], December 4: The temperature in Delhi dropped to 12.0 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning, signaling the arrival of winter. The temperature fell by nearly 1.5 degrees in the last 24 hours due to cold northwesterly winds, which also brought smog and mist conditions across the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported surface winds from the northwest at speeds of 8 to 12 km per hour.
On November 29 and 30, the minimum temperature had been recorded at 11 degrees Celsius. The IMD has predicted further temperature drops, with a potential low of 9 degrees Celsius over the next five days.
Air quality in Delhi remained a concern, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI at 8 am stood at 211. Drone footage showed a thin layer of smog covering areas like Bikaji Cama, Moti Bagh, and AIIMS.
Despite the pollution, visuals from India Gate showed many locals jogging, encouraged by the slight improvement in air quality. Anmol, a local resident, expressed relief, saying, “The pollution levels have decreased significantly. We are able to resume our daily activities now, which is a good sign.”
Another resident also noticed improved visibility in the capital, stating, “The visibility has become slightly better now. You can see the India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan properly now.”
In some areas, the AQI was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category, including 161 at ITO, 190 at Alipur, 181 at Chandni Chowk, and 197 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. However, some areas still recorded ‘poor’ AQI levels, including Ashok Vihar (222), Lodhi Road (218), and Patparganj (216).
An AQI ranging from 0-50 is considered ‘good,’ 51-100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 is ‘moderate,’ 201-300 is ‘poor,’ 301-400 is ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 is ‘severe.’
Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court rejected a proposal to relax the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to control pollution in Delhi, stating it will hear further arguments on this matter at the next hearing.