A biting cold wave swept across North India, with the national capital Delhi recording its lowest temperature in four days on Tuesday morning. The minimum temperature dipped to 6.6 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chilly winds and a thin layer of fog shrouding parts of the city. This marked a notable drop from Monday’s minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain in Delhi on February 1, with foggy conditions expected to persist for the next four days. Minimum temperatures in the city are predicted to range between 7 to 11 degrees Celsius during this period. The recent plunge in temperature began last Thursday when Delhi recorded a low of 11 degrees Celsius.
Cold wave conditions are also expected to affect isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Additionally, “dense to very dense fog” is likely to persist in parts of Uttar Pradesh during the night and early morning hours until January 30, as per the IMD. Odisha’s Bhubaneswar also witnessed a thick blanket of fog on Tuesday, significantly reducing visibility.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the “poor” category at 258, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks a deterioration from Saturday morning, when the AQI stood at 191 in the “moderate” range. AQI levels between 201-300 are classified as “poor,” posing health risks for sensitive groups.
Despite the harsh weather, large crowds gathered at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam for the Mahakumbh Mela, where devotees braved the cold to take a dip. The IMD predicts minimum temperatures in Prayagraj to hover between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius over the next three days.
The event is expected to draw even larger crowds as the second Shahi Snan is scheduled for January 29, coinciding with Mouni Amavasya.
(Inputs from ANI)