Delhi is experiencing an intense cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), early morning temperatures in the city dropped to around 3-4°C. According to the IMD forecast, similar cold conditions are likely to persist throughout the day.

A day earlier, Delhi woke up to a chilly morning, with temperatures dropping to around 4°C. Cold wave conditions, accompanied by dense fog in several parts of the city, continued to disrupt normal life, affecting visibility and adding to travel-related challenges.

In addition to biting cold, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain a serious concern on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 357 at 7 am, falling in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a further deterioration compared to Tuesday, when the city’s AQI stood at 337.

Several areas across the national capital reported AQI levels well above 300, indicating persistently hazardous conditions for public health. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 366 at 7 am, while Bawana stood at 361. Jahangirpuri witnessed particularly alarming levels, with the AQI touching 420, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. RK Puram recorded an AQI of 407, Dwarka Sector 8 at 403, Punjabi Bagh at 366, Wazirpur at 386, and Chandni Chowk at 397, according to CPCB data.