Delhi Weather Update: Cold wave intensifies in Delhi-NCR, temperature on New Year's Eve drops to...

On December 31, 2024, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to the "poor" category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 236 recorded at 8 AM. This decline follows a brief improvement earlier in the week when the AQI had dropped to 183 on Monday morning, thanks to significant rainfall that marked the highest single-day December precipitation in 101 years. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies air quality levels as follows: "good" (0-50), "satisfactory" (51-100), "moderate" (101-200), "poor" (201-300), "very poor" (301-400), "severe" (401-450), and "severe plus" (above 450).

As the year ends, Delhi is experiencing a cold wave, with temperatures dipping sharply. On Monday morning, the minimum temperature was recorded at 10.3 degrees Celsius, which is about 3.5 degrees above the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that while the skies will remain mostly clear during the day, smog and dense fog may persist in the mornings. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, with speeds ranging from 25 to 35 km/h.

The weather conditions have led to reduced visibility on roads, particularly between Delhi and Noida. The IMD has also warned of colder-than-usual weather for January 1, with further drops in temperature anticipated. Additionally, more rain is expected around New Year’s Day, which could exacerbate the chilly conditions.

Overall, Delhi's weather on this final day of the year presents a mix of poor air quality and cold temperatures, signaling a challenging start to the new year for its residents.