Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season on Thursday, with temperatures plummeting to a low of 11.2 degrees Celsius at the Ridge weather station. This significant drop in temperature follows a recent western disturbance that brought snowfall to the Himalayan region. While Delhi’s Ridge area recorded the lowest temperature, other parts of the city also experienced a chill, with Safdarjung, the primary weather observatory, recording a minimum of 16.1 degrees Celsius.
Delhi’s Temperature Dip and India’s Coldest Spots
The recent cold snap in Delhi is directly attributed to a western disturbance that triggered snowfall in the Himalayas. This weather pattern brought a significant drop in temperatures across northern India. While Delhi experienced a low of 11.2 degrees Celsius, it’s important to note that this is not necessarily the lowest temperature recorded across all of India today. Typically, higher altitude regions in the Himalayas and northern India experience much colder temperatures during this time of year.
Specifically in Delhi, various areas recorded different minimum temperatures:
- Ridge: 11.2 degrees Celsius
- Ayanagar: 14.4 degrees Celsius
- Lodhi Road: 15 degrees Celsius
- Palam: 16.8 degrees Celsius
- Safdarjung: 16.1 degrees Celsius
To find the absolute lowest temperature in India for today, one would need to consult official meteorological data from across the country, particularly from high-altitude areas in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These regions often experience sub-zero temperatures during winter.
Kashmir recently received its first snowfall of the season, with higher elevations experiencing light snow and the plains receiving heavy rainfall. This precipitation further contributed to the drop in temperatures across the region. The onset of winter in the Himalayan region often signals colder temperatures across the northern plains of India.
Delhi’s Air Quality Remains Severe
While temperatures dropped, Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate. The city’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the “Severe” category, posing health risks to residents. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 473. Prolonged exposure to such poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) anticipates that stronger winds will help improve the air quality in the coming days. While Delhi experienced a record low temperature for the season, it highlights the larger pattern of decreasing temperatures across northern India as winter approaches. For the most accurate information on the lowest temperature in India today, consulting official meteorological sources is recommended.
