Delhi’s Temperature Goes Below 5 Degrees In Early December, Breaks 14-Year Record

Wed Dec 11 15:54:53 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Shivers Under Cold Wave, Lowest December Temperature in 14 Years

**New Delhi, Dec 13** – A chilling cold wave has gripped the national capital, with Delhi recording its lowest minimum temperature for early December in 14 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, a significant 4.7 degrees below normal. This is the first time temperatures have fallen below 5 degrees Celsius in early December since 2009. The lowest temperature recorded for this period was 4.1 degrees Celsius on December 6, 1987.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of continued cold wave conditions for the next two days. The sharp temperature drop is attributed to strong northwest winds. The absence of significant western disturbances and strong daytime winds is expected to maintain minimum temperatures between 4-6 degrees Celsius for the next three to four days. Cold wave conditions are forecast to persist until December 13th.

While Wednesday saw a high of 23 degrees Celsius, the breezy conditions and clear skies are expected to continue on Thursday, although evening mist or smog is anticipated. Air quality, however, remains a concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was 199 (moderate) on Wednesday afternoon, but the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts a deterioration to “poor” over the next two days, primarily due to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants. These pollutants pose serious health risks.