Sat Dec 07 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Braces for Cold Snap as Temperatures Set to Drop
**New Delhi, India** – Delhiites can expect a significant dip in temperatures over the next few days, as a cold snap is set to hit the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a decrease of up to two degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures due to fog, cloud cover, and light drizzle.
The Safdarjung weather station recorded a minimum temperature of 8.5°C on Friday, one degree below normal. October and November have been unusually warm in Delhi, delaying the onset of winter. However, this is expected to change with the approaching cold front. Lodhi Road experienced the coldest temperatures, recording a minimum of 8.3°C. The IMD forecasts a minimum temperature of around 8°C and a maximum of 25°C for Saturday. Light drizzle and increased cloud cover are anticipated for Sunday due to a western disturbance. This could lead to a further drop in minimum temperatures, potentially reaching as low as 6°C.
This change in weather is expected to exacerbate Delhi’s air pollution problem. Slower wind speeds will trap pollutants, leading to a predicted increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is anticipated to reach the “poor” to “very poor” category within the next two days. While the AQI was 197 (moderate) on Friday, a significant increase from 165 on Thursday, sixteen areas already registered levels above 200 in the evening. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has warned of an average wind speed of less than 10 km/h over the next two days.
Areas like Ashok Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Anand Vihar, and Wazirpur are particularly vulnerable, having experienced extremely high PM2.5 levels (above 300 on average) in November, according to Respirer Living Sciences.
Meanwhile, Noida and Greater Noida have seen AQI levels below 200 for the fifth consecutive day, though increases were observed compared to the previous day. Despite improved air quality, PM2.5 levels remain higher than PM10.
First Piper 