New Delhi, Despite a slight rise in the minimum temperature, the capital witnessed another cold morning, with the mercury dropping to 5.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, marking the second coldest day of the season. The temperature was three notches below normal. The maximum temperature recorded was 24.7 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal. This followed a previous day where it reached 25.4 degrees Celsius.
The weather department forecasts a slight increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures on Sunday, with the minimum expected to be around 7 degrees Celsius. The dip in temperature on Saturday was attributed to relatively clear skies, allowing the escape of radiating earth heat to the outer atmosphere.
An official from the India Meteorological Department stated, “The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to fall from November 18 onwards due to the passage of a western disturbance. Sunday and Monday are likely to see shallow fog and mist during morning hours.”
Despite moderate winds, the city’s air quality deteriorated to the “very poor” category, with an average air quality index of 354. According to IITM’s air quality early warning system, the city’s AQI is expected to remain very poor till Tuesday and may continue in the very poor or poor category for the subsequent six days.
The city’s total PM2.5 was estimated with 14.4% attributed to transport, 6.6% to industries in and around Delhi, and nearly 31% to other sources.
