NEW DELHI: The capital saw season’s lowest minimum and maximum temperatures on Friday, making it the coldest day this winter. The minimum temperatures fell by around two degrees over the last 24 hours, while the maximum temperature dropped marginally. According to the weather department, the mercury is set to drop further over the next few days.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature was recorded at 5.3 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal and the season’s lowest so far. The minimum temperature a day earlier was 7.2 degrees Celsius. On December 16, the minimum temperature was recorded at 6.2 degrees Celsius. On Friday, Ridge recorded a minimum temperature of 4.3 degrees Celsius, which was the lowest in the city, followed by Ayanagar at 4.8 degrees Celsius.The maximum temperature too dropped and was recorded at 20.1 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal and season’s lowest so far, against 20.6 degrees Celsius a day earlier. Meanwhile, Mungeshpur recorded city’s lowest maximum temperature at 16.3 degrees Celsius.“The north-westerly winds will continue for a few days and the daytime temperature may drop slightly,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, climate change and meteorology, Skymet.The weather department said several areas in the city may suffer cold wave conditions from Saturday. A cold wave is considered when the minimum temperature drops 4.5 degrees below normal.“There are chances of cold wave at some parts of the city on December 25 and 26, along with dense fog,” said an official at IMD. The maximum and minimum temperatures on Saturday are likely to hover around 20 and 5 degrees Celsius, which is likely to drop further to 19 and 4 degrees Celsius a day later.Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remained ‘very poor’. The air quality index (AQI), on a scale of 0 to 500, was 359 on Friday against 342 a day earlier. According to the pollution monitoring agencies, the air quality is likely to improve. “The air quality is likely to improve, but remain in ‘very poor’ category on December 24 and 25,” stated air quality early warning system.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/at-5c-delhi-gets-seasons-coldest-day-fog-chill-to-greet-christmas/articleshow/96464580.cms
