It's finally feeling like winter for the past few days. As per the reports, India is facing extremely cold weather with temperatures plummeting across several states. Delhi saw a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, accompanied by a light fog in some parts of the national capital. On Monday, the temperature varied between a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius.
As temperatures in Delhi kept falling, residents of the national capital were observed gathering around bonfires to stay warm, while some sought refuge in night shelters.
In Rajasthan, the chilly weather continued, greatly affecting daily life as temperatures dropped. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the temperature in Bikaner was 9 degrees Celsius.
The cold wave continues to affect daily life in Jammu and Kashmir, with temperatures dropping below freezing in multiple areas. Srinagar recorded a temperature of -5.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am on Tuesday. The recorded temperatures in different areas were -0.6 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, -6.8 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam, -0.8 degrees Celsius in Banihal, and -4.6 degrees Celsius in Kupwara.
According to the IMD, Srinagar recorded a low of -7 degrees Celsius and a high of 7 degrees Celsius on Monday.
As per the IMD, a cold wave is defined by a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius or below in plains, and 0 degrees Celsius or below in mountainous regions.
The IMD forecasts a major cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir starting on December 24. Additionally, dense fog and a cold wave are expected to persist from December 23 to 25 in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.
On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was deemed 'severe,' with fog significantly reducing visibility. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was noted at 401 at 8 AM, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The AQI dropped into the 'severe' category the day before as well, registering 403 at 7 AM. Specific AQI levels were 417 in Alipur, 423 in Anand Vihar, 425 in RK Puram, and 402 at ITO.
An AQI score is classified as: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).