Delhi-NCR is currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with fog and strong winds making the chill more noticeable during mornings and late nights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the entire region for December 21 and 22, warning that temperatures may fall further in the coming days. In the past 24 hours, winds have reached speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour across Delhi-NCR. While temperatures have not dropped dramatically, the maximum temperature has fallen by about one degree Celsius since Thursday, December 18, and is expected to remain around 23 degrees Celsius.
Dense fog engulfs in Delhi-NCR
The Meteorological Department has said that the minimum temperature in Delhi-NCR will remain between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. Light fog is expected in the mornings from December 18 to 20. Winds will continue to blow, but pollution haze will also persist. While maximum and minimum temperatures have not changed much, the cold is expected to increase from December 21.
Residents experience breathing difficulties
Along with the cold, rising pollution is making life difficult. At 6 a.m. on Thursday, Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 482, and by Wednesday night around 11:30 p.m., it had reached 567. People are facing more problems from toxic air than from the cold, with many experiencing breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The government has announced new rules to control pollution. However, the Meteorological Department warns that wind speeds may decrease on December 20, which could worsen the pollution situation, especially on December 21 and 22.
Yellow alert issued for next 48 hours
Light to moderate morning fog is expected across Delhi-NCR on December 19 and 20, with cloudy skies during the day. On December 21 and 22, dense fog is likely in many areas, which could make the cold and pollution feel even worse.
