Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to yet another frigid morning on Monday, with the average minimum temperature dipping below 5 degrees Celsius for the second day in a row.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C at 5:30 am, with some areas registering even lower temperatures. Pusa witnessed a minimum of 3.5°C, while Ayanagar recorded 4°C. Meanwhile, Najafgarh experienced relatively milder conditions, with the minimum temperature at 6.2°C.

On December 15, the region had similarly cold conditions, with the minimum temperature dropping to 4.9°C. IMD predicts that the cold wave in Delhi may intensify in the coming days, accompanied by shallow fog due to calm winds and elevated humidity levels.

A cold wave is officially declared in the plains when the minimum temperature falls to 4°C or below or if it drops 4.5–6.4°C below the seasonal average. With temperatures nearing these thresholds, residents of the national capital are facing frosty mornings and bracing against the biting chill.

The IMD has also issued a cold wave warning for several northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, among others.

Adding to the discomfort, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further, slipping into the ‘very poor’ category on Monday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 334 at 4 am. The previous evening saw the AQI rise to 307, moving from the higher end of the ‘poor’ category to ‘very poor.’

The combination of adverse weather conditions, low wind speeds, and high humidity contributed to the spike in pollution levels. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor,’ which can have significant health impacts, especially on vulnerable groups.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as residents contend with both harsh winter temperatures and worsening air quality.