Delhi Records Sharp Drop in Temperature, Hits 6.4 Degrees Celsius

Delhi saw a steep drop in the temperature on Thursday as cold wave conditions and inclement weather enveloped the city.

According to data released by the India Meteorological Department, the city recorded 6.4 degrees Celsius at 5.30 a.m. on Thursday.

The minimum temperature for the day is forecasted at 5 degrees Celsius and the maximum at around 21 degrees Celsius by the MeT Department.

As compared to the last few days, the temperature recorded at around 5.30 a.m. was plunging between 8 degrees to 11 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has predicted a "dense fog" for the city on Thursday, however, contrary visuals have emerged from the different parts of the city.

As the cold wave persisted, many homeless people went to night shelters. All beds in a night shelter on Lodhi Road were seen to be occupied.

The DUSIB has provided shelter to homeless people by opening 235 pagoda tents. Night shelters have also been established at different places in the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital deteriorated to poor quality, but by a small margin. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was 299 at 7 a.m. in the morning, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday rescinded the Stage-III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after a substantial improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

Stage-I and Stage-II measures, however, will remain in effect, officials said on Sunday.

The decision comes after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality data and the IMD/IITM forecasts, noting a downward trend in AQI levels.