In most areas of Delhi, the temperature increased by 3u20134u00b0C on Thursday as the cold wave conditions subsided. At the same time, the air quality dropped to the extremely bad range, and a few spots of drizzle or very light rain were forecast later in the day.Wednesday marked the eighth day this month and the third consecutive day of a cold wave. In 31 years, January had the second-most days of frigid weather.
Delhi experienced 12 of these days in January 2008, compared to seven each in 1997, 1998, and 2021, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, between January 5 and January 9, there were five consecutive cold wave days, which, together with those in 2013, was the most in the previous 31 years. The greatest run of such days in a row in 2008 lasted four days. When the lowest temperature falls to 4u00b0C or lower, or when it falls to 4.5u00b0C or more below normal, the IMD declares a cold wave in the area.
Video Courtesy: Down To Earth
The northwesterly winds and fog, which ascended to the upper level during the day and obstructed sunshine, according to an IMD official, made the first cold wave episode feel colder than it actually was. This also meant that midday temperatures were low. As a result of the strong cold northwesterly winds, which have been blowing faster and harder this time than they did during the last phase between January 5 and 9, we have experienced clear sky throughout this second spell, the official stated.
According to the official, both spells occurred after snow fell in higher elevations, with its effects then being felt throughout the plains. Rainfall in the city was anticipated from two western disturbances. On January 19 [Thursday] and 20 [Friday], Delhi will be impacted by the first western disturbance, with a probability of precipitation on Thursday night. From the night of January 20 to January 26, the second, more powerful storm will affect the western Himalayan region. According to the official, the plains in the northwest will be affected from January 23 to 25, and light rain and gusty winds are predicted for both days on January 24.
Though the minimum temperatures have been low, there have been bright days. On Wednesday, a maximum temperature of 19.6u00b0C was noted. On Thursday and Friday, a high of 21u00b0C was predicted. At 8 am on Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 322 (extremely poor), up from 306 at 4 pm on Wednesday. By Friday, it is most likely to drop back into the poor category due to showers and a pick-up in wind speed. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and over 400 severe.
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