Delhi will be very cold on 3 January, with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. On January 2nd, Delhi had a minimum temperature of 8. 3°C, which is slightly higher than usual. Today, the weather will be mostly clear with some light fog.
2 min read 2024-01-06, 06:50 PM IST
Summary of the content
- Extended Cold Wave in Delhi: Delhi is in the midst of an extended cold wave with temperatures reaching 8.3 degrees Celsius, impacting daily life and raising concerns about prolonged discomfort.
- Weather Forecast and Fog Conditions: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a continuation of the cold wave, with dense to very dense fog at isolated places until January 7. The highest temperature is not expected to rise above 20 degrees Celsius until January 8.
- Transportation Disruptions: Dense fog on Tuesday led to delays in at least 26 trains in Delhi, underlining the challenges posed by reduced visibility and prompting precautionary measures such as reduced train speeds.
- Air Quality Deterioration: The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) is recorded at 332, categorized as “very poor.” Specific areas within Delhi report AQI levels ranging from 310 to 386, indicating substantial pollution levels and potential health risks.
- Health Precautions and Community Impact: Authorities advise residents to take health precautions, such as wearing masks to combat air pollution and dressing warmly to counter the cold. School closures, especially for private schools in Noida and Greater Noida, impact families and communities, readjusting routines in response to the challenging weather conditions.
- Adjoining Regions’ Response: Neighboring regions, including Noida, Greater Noida, and Lucknow district in Uttar Pradesh, implement similar measures such as school closures to address the shared challenges posed by the cold wave, highlighting collaborative efforts to ensure community safety and well-being.
Delhi is currently in the throes of a severe cold wave, with temperatures plunging to 8.3 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal for January 2. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts indicating that the cold weather is set to persist, with dense to very dense fog expected in isolated areas. This article delves into the current weather conditions, the impact on daily life, and the measures being taken to address the challenges posed by the chilling temperatures.
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Current Weather Conditions
- Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius, marking a continuation of the cold spell.
- On Monday, the capital recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, according to IMD reports.
- The forecast for Wednesday includes mainly clear skies with shallow fog in the morning.
Extended Weather Forecast
- The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) for Delhi predicts dense to very dense fog at isolated places, with cold day to severe cold day conditions expected in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until January 7.
- IMD anticipates an enduring cold spell, with the minimum temperature touching 7 degrees Celsius on January 3.
- The highest temperature is not expected to rise above 20 degrees Celsius until January 8.
Impact on Transportation
- Dense fog on Tuesday led to delays in at least 26 trains in the national capital.
- The IMD categorizes fog visibility into ‘very dense,’ ‘dense,’ ‘moderate,’ and ‘shallow.’ ‘Very dense’ fog occurs when visibility is between 0 and 50 meters.
Air Quality Concerns
- The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 7 am on Wednesday is 332, categorizing it as “very poor.”
- Specific areas such as Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Wazirpur recorded AQI levels between 310 and 386.
School Closures
- In response to the severe cold weather, all schools in Noida and Greater Noida will remain closed for students up to Class 8 until January 6.
- Private schools that were still conducting classes have been directed to close, while government schools are observing a winter break until January 14.
- Similarly, schools for students from Class 1 to Class 8 in Lucknow district, Uttar Pradesh, will remain closed until January 6.
Air Quality Index and Health Concerns
- The AQI, a measure of air pollution, is a cause for concern as it falls in the “very poor” category.
- The deteriorating air quality can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
- An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” while 401 and 500 are categorized as “severe.”
As Delhi grapples with an intense cold wave, the combination of low temperatures, dense fog, and deteriorating air quality poses challenges for residents and authorities alike. The extended weather forecast indicates a continuation of these conditions, prompting measures such as school closures to ensure the well-being of the community. Efforts to address transportation disruptions and health concerns are crucial, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to navigate through this winter weather spell.
Extended Weather Analysis
The prevailing cold spell in Delhi is not just a momentary inconvenience; it is part of an extended weather pattern that has enveloped the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) paints a picture of prolonged chilling temperatures, with the minimum expected to touch 7 degrees Celsius on January 3. This protracted cold wave, coupled with the anticipation that the highest temperature will not surpass 20 degrees Celsius until January 8, raises concerns about sustained discomfort for residents.
The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) for Delhi has issued specific warnings, detailing the potential for dense to very dense fog at isolated places. Additionally, the forecast includes conditions categorized as cold day to severe cold day, primarily affecting areas in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until January 7. Such prolonged and intense weather patterns can have multifaceted impacts on daily life, from transportation disruptions to health concerns.
Transportation Challenges
The dense fog experienced on Tuesday resulted in significant delays in train services, affecting the daily commute for many residents of the national capital. Foggy conditions, especially when categorized as ‘very dense,’ severely limit visibility, making travel hazardous and prompting precautionary measures such as reduced train speeds. As a consequence, the transportation network faces challenges, leading to disruptions and inconvenience for those relying on public and private modes of conveyance.
Air Quality Deterioration
One of the pressing concerns during this extended cold wave is the deterioration of air quality. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 7 am on Wednesday is 332, classifying it as “very poor.” Specific areas such as Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Wazirpur reported AQI levels ranging from 310 to 386, indicating substantial pollution levels. The implications of poor air quality extend beyond mere inconvenience, as prolonged exposure can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Health Implications and Precautions
The combination of cold weather and degraded air quality necessitates heightened health precautions. Respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns become more prevalent during such weather conditions. Authorities and healthcare professionals advise residents to take preventive measures, such as wearing masks to mitigate the impact of air pollution and dressing warmly to combat the cold.
School Closures and Community Impact
In response to the challenging weather conditions, especially the severe cold wave, school closures have been implemented. All schools in Noida and Greater Noida have suspended classes for students up to Class 8 until January 6. This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students amid the harsh weather. Private schools that were still conducting classes have been specifically directed to close, while government schools are observing a winter break until January 14. The impact of these closures is not just limited to educational institutions but also extends to families and communities, readjusting routines and activities.
Adjoining Regions’ Responses
The impact of the cold wave extends beyond Delhi, affecting neighboring regions. In Noida and Greater Noida, all schools remain closed for students up to Class 8, aligning with the severity of the weather conditions. Likewise, in Lucknow district, Uttar Pradesh, schools for students from Class 1 to Class 8 have been shut until January 6. These measures highlight the collaborative efforts of authorities in addressing the shared challenges posed by the cold spell.
Conclusion: As Delhi faces an extended and intense cold wave, the intricate interplay of weather elements raises concerns on various fronts. From transportation disruptions to health implications and the consequential adjustments in daily life, the community is navigating through a complex set of challenges. Proactive measures, such as school closures and health advisories, underscore the collective response required to endure and overcome the multifaceted impact of this winter weather spell. The coming days will reveal how effectively authorities and residents adapt to these challenges, emphasizing the resilience and preparedness required to navigate through extended periods of adverse weather conditions.
