DELHI: The national capital continued to experience a severe cold wave for the second consecutive day, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a maximum temperature of 16.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This marks only a slight increase from the 15.7 degrees recorded the previous day, as cold, northwesterly winds coupled with dense fog left residents shivering.

The IMD has forecast a significant rise in temperatures starting Thursday, predicting mostly clear skies in the short term. However, visibility in certain areas like Palam and Lodhi Road has been severely reduced, compounded by soft sunlight that struggled to break through the dense fog. Winds blowing at speeds up to 13 km/h continued to blanket the region in cold air.

The IMD has also cautioned residents about the potential for moderate to dense fog persisting across the Indo-Gangetic Plain on Thursday, January 8. A yellow alert was issued due to the forecast of moderate fog in many areas, with heavy fog expected in isolated spots during the morning. These conditions are anticipated to last until January 15, after which clouds and persistent fog will remain until January 13.

In a welcome change, air quality in parts of Delhi-NCR has seen slight improvement over the last few days but still remains in the ‘poor’ category. The Air Quality Index was recorded at 279 this morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Despite the fog, residents continue to navigate their morning routines, often hidden beneath layers of winter clothing as they brace for the chilly conditions outside.