Sun Dec 08 15:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Severe Air Pollution as Cold Snap Bites
**New Delhi, India –** Delhi is facing a double whammy of dangerously high air pollution and a sudden cold snap. The air quality index (AQI) in several areas soared to alarming levels on Sunday, with Kalkaji recording the highest at 494 – classified as “severe.” Other areas like Sri Aurobindo Marg, Alipur, and Greater Kailash also reported AQIs above 490. This comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light rain for Sunday, offering a potential, albeit temporary, reprieve.
The IMD reported Delhi experienced its coldest night of the season so far, with the minimum temperature plummeting to 7.1 degrees Celsius. The expected rain is accompanied by a forecast of a high of 24 degrees Celsius and a low of 8 degrees Celsius for Sunday.
The Central Pollution Control Board and real-time AQI data centers reported a significant spike in AQI over the past 48 hours, reaching hazardous levels. This drastic increase has raised serious health concerns for Delhi residents.
The unusually low temperatures, three degrees below average, were recorded on Friday night according to the IMD. The minimum temperature dropped to 8.5 degrees Celsius on both Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s maximum temperature was 25.4 degrees Celsius.
The severe pollution prompted a political response, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responding to the BJP’s slogan “We will not tolerate, we will change” by stating that their fears had come true.
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