The biting cold wave continues to grip Delhi, with several parts of the city recording ‘cold day’ conditions on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a ‘cold day’ as a day when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius below the normal and the minimum temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius.
Record-breaking cold
Tuesday was the coldest day of the season so far for Delhi, with the Safdarjung observatory recording a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which is four notches below the normal. The maximum temperature, on the other hand, was 16.2 degrees Celsius, which is 4.8 degrees below the normal.
“The cold wave conditions are likely to continue for the next few days,” said an IMD official. “We are expecting the minimum temperature to fall further to around 3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.”
The cold wave has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the western disturbances, which are bringing cold winds from the Himalayas, and the lack of sunshine due to fog.
Impact on people
The cold wave has had a significant impact on the lives of people in Delhi. Many people are staying indoors to avoid the cold. Those who have to go out are bundled up in warm clothes.
The cold weather has also led to an increase in respiratory illnesses, such as coughs and colds. The hospitals are reporting a surge in the number of patients with these illnesses.
What to do to stay safe
Stay indoors as much as possible.
If you have to go out, wear warm clothes.
Cover your head and ears.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Eat a healthy diet.
If you have any respiratory problems, consult a doctor.
The forecast
The cold wave is expected to continue for the next few days. However, there is some relief in sight. The IMD has predicted that the cold wave will start to weaken from Friday onwards.
Here are some of the areas in Delhi that recorded ‘cold day’ conditions on Tuesday:
Safdarjung: Minimum temperature – 4 degrees Celsius, Maximum temperature – 16.2 degrees Celsius
Palam: Minimum temperature – 5 degrees Celsius, Maximum temperature – 15.4 degrees Celsius
Lodhi Road: Minimum temperature – 5 degrees Celsius, Maximum temperature – 16 degrees Celsius
Ayanagar: Minimum temperature – 4.5 degrees Celsius, Maximum temperature – 15.8 degrees Celsius
The cold wave has also affected other parts of North India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. In some of these areas, the temperature has dipped below freezing.
The cold wave is expected to continue for the next few days. However, there is some relief in sight. The IMD has predicted that the cold wave will start to weaken from Friday onwards.
