Delhi Cold Wave Continues, AQI Remains Poor as Light Rain Hits Capital

New Delhi, January 9:
Delhi continues to reel under an intense cold wave as temperatures dipped to 5 degrees Celsius on Friday, accompanied by light rainfall in several parts of the national capital, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cold conditions, combined with dense smog, have further worsened air quality across the city.

Delhi Air Quality Remains Poor to Very Poor

As per data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 280, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Several areas recorded very poor air quality, raising health concerns for residents.

Areas with very poor AQI levels include:

Anand Vihar: 385
Nehru Nagar: 392
Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range: 360
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 354
Dwarka Sector 8: 346
Jahangirpuri: 340
Chandni Chowk: 335
Ashok Vihar: 328

Other locations such as ITO and Ferozeshah Road recorded AQI levels of 307, remaining in the very poor category.

Slightly Better Air Quality in Some Areas

A few parts of Delhi reported relatively better, though still concerning, air quality. IGI Airport Terminal 3 recorded an AQI of 252, which falls under the poor category. Similar readings were observed in Alipur (280), Bawana (276), Burari Crossing (278), DTU (289), Aya Nagar (299) and CRRI Mathura Road (299).

AQI Categories Explained

According to CPCB standards:

0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe

Light Rainfall Likely Across Delhi

The IMD has predicted light rainfall and drizzle in several parts of Delhi, which may continue intermittently. Areas likely to receive rain include Preet Vihar, ITO, India Gate, Akshardham, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, Nehru Stadium, Vasant Vihar, RK Puram, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Vasant Kunj, Hauz Khas, Malviya Nagar, Kalkaji, Mehrauli, Tughlakabad, Chhattarpur, IGNOU, Aya Nagar and Deramandi.

Isolated drizzle is also expected in Mundaka, Paschim Vihar, Rajouri Garden, Buddha Jayanti Park, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajeev Chowk, Jafarpur, Najafgarh, Dwarka, Delhi Cantonment and IGI Airport.

Health Advisory for Residents

Authorities have advised residents, especially children, elderly people, and those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and stay hydrated due to poor air quality and cold weather conditions.