Coldest Morning Of The Season

The India Meteorological Department reported that the temperature in Delhi dropped to 4.5°C on Thursday, December 12, 2024, making it the freezing morning of the year. The temperature fell far more in other parts of the city, signaling the arrival of harsh winter conditions. The IMD data states the minimum temperatures on Ayanagar and Pusa roads were 3.8°C and 3.2°C, respectively, causing residents to feel the coldest morning.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST

The day is expected to remain mostly clear, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 23°C, according to the IMD report. Still, locals are advised that the stark difference between day and darkness temperatures could lead to health challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

AIR QUALITY DEGRADES

It has been gathered from the findings and research by health specialists focusing on climatic conditions that increased low temperature along with severe diabetes is bound to lead to worsening of lung diseases and problems. Air circulation is stable, along with unusual atmospheric layers that are seen widely when winter and spring are in order; it makes it difficult for the contaminants to diffuse to the uppermost parts, thus resulting in poor-quality air in the surrounding area.
It is a combination of the chilly rain that has made things more difficult for the people of Delhi, and now, they are struggling with worse air quality as well. According to reports, the air quality index (AQI) stood at 262 on their Thursday morning, which comes under the ‘poor’ category. It has deteriorated from the previous day when the figure was termed to be ‘moderate,’ which was the case on the day before as well.

TORTURE OF COLD WAVES IN DELHI

The IMD has specific criteria for declaring a cold surge in Delhi. A cold surge occurs when minimal temperatures drop below 4.1°C or when there is a significant divagation of at least 4.4°C from the normal range. The current readings meet these norms, suggesting that certain areas of the capital are now experiencing a cold surge.
This steep decline in temperatures is a significant departure from the early days of December, when Delhi’s minimal temperature floated around 7°C, still three degrees below normal for the season. This progression highlights the rapid-fire onset of downtime in the megacity.

HEALTH ADVISORY

Health authorities have advised the Delhi masses to take precautions against cold weather and pollution. Recommendations includes:
• Dressing warmly: For outside activities, cover yourself with layers of clothing; hats and gloves are necessary.
•Avoid outdoor exercise: Try to go outside less, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when temperatures and pollution levels are at their peak.
• Using air purifiers: Indoor air quality can also suffer, so air purifiers can help mitigate exposure to pollutants.
•Prevent from chilly air: Staying hydrated by drinking warm to protect yourself from the drying effect of cold waves.

With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies