Delhi hits season’s lowest 4.6°C as morning rain, dense fog worsen cold wave; AQI 'very poor' at 321

NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR woke up to an unseasonal early morning rain on Friday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave as temperatures hit their lowest this season. The minimum temperature in the capital dipped to 4.6°C at 8.30am, while dense fog and chilly northwesterly winds added to the morning’s discomfort. Rain began around 6am in several parts of Delhi, initially heavy before tapering off to light showers. Gurgaon also saw unexpected rainfall, despite forecasts not predicting any for the city.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s minimum temperature on Friday is expected to hover around 5°C, with maximum temperatures reaching 16–17°C. Safdarjung recorded a low of 5.8°C on Thursday, nearly a degree below normal, marking the coldest day of the season so far, while Lodhi Road reported 6.1°C.Although the showers were expected to temporarily ease pollution levels, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category, with the morning AQI at 321 at 8am. Nearby cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad reported similar readings.The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog on Friday and Saturday, warning of significantly reduced visibility. Winds blowing at around 13 kmph are expected to make daytime temperatures feel colder, despite brief sunshine seen over the past two days.The weather department indicated that minimum temperatures are unlikely to rise significantly in the coming days, and cold nights are expected to continue. Cold-day conditions—where maximum temperatures remain well below normal—are also likely to persist.Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast heavy rain in parts of southern India, with severe cold and dense fog continuing across northern and central regions.