On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season—3.6 degrees Celsius—as a strong cold wave swept throughout much of North India. The India Meteorological Department reports that this is 3.8 degrees below the typical minimum temperature for the season (IMD)
The temperature dropped to 3.4 degrees Celsius in the Lodhi Road area, making it the coldest point in the city. The maximum temperature remained four degrees Celsius below usual, at 18.5 degrees Celsius.
The cold wave was accompanied by dense to very dense fog during the night and early morning hours, decreasing visibility and interfering with movement. As of 8:30 a.m., visibility around the Indira Gandhi International Airport had reduced to 200 meters.
The dense fog also hampered train and airplane operations, resulting in delays and cancellations. More than 40 trains were running several hours late due to poor visibility, according to Indian Railways. Passengers were also warned by Delhi airport authorities to verify their flight status before departing for the airport, since several planes had been delayed or diverted.
The IMD predicts that the cold wave and foggy weather will continue in regions of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi for the next few days. It has also issued a warning about ground frost and recommended people to take precautions.
The extreme weather has been especially difficult on the homeless and impoverished, who must spend chilly evenings on the streets or in night shelters. The Delhi government asserts that appropriate housing has been constructed for them, but some protesters argue that the amenities are inadequate and unsanitary.
The bitter cold has also sparked health worries, particularly in Delhi, which suffers from severe air pollution during the winter months. There is an elevated risk of respiratory infections and other ailments due to the high humidity and low temperature. Health officials have encouraged people to minimize exposure to cold and fog and to dress warmly.