Severe cold wave in Delhi on New Year’s day; min temp drops to lowest in 15 years

IMD Cold Weather and Delhi air quality: The cold wave has been intensified on the first day of 2021 as the minimum temperature dropped to 1.1 degrees Celsius in Delhi, the lowest in 15 years. Likewise, a ‘very dense’ fog gripped the national capital that reduced visibility to zero in several parts and thus affecting traffic movement. According to the Safdarjung Observatory, a minimum temperature of 1.1 degrees Celsius was recorded in Delhi, the lowest in the month of January against the previous record of 0.2 degrees Celsius on January 8, 2006. Also Read | Indian Railways launches upgraded e-Ticketing Website and Mobile App for booking tickets online Furthermore, the data released by the Indian Meteorological Department on December 31, 2020, demonstrated that the mean minimum temperature (MMT) in December was 7.1 degrees Celsius, the second-lowest in 15 years. IMD predicts Cold Weather in Delhi The IMD, on December 31, stated that ‘severe’ cold wave conditions with dense fog will continue in Delhi over the next two days. Western Disturbance is likely to affect the region from January 3 onwards and hence, the mercury level is expected to rise to 8 degrees Celsius by January 4-5. Also Read | ‘May spirit of hope and wellness prevail’: PM Modi extends wishes to nation on New Year 2021 Delhi's air quality 'very poor' on January 1, 2021 Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on the first day of 2021. The air quality is expected to improve by January 3. In case of 'dense' fog, the visibility is between 51 and 200 metres, ‘moderate’ 201 and 500 metres, and "shallow" 501 and 1,000 metres. Highlights of Year 2020! -PTC News