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New Delhi: As cold winds sweep through Delhi-NCR, the Capital has begun to feel the season’s first real bite of winter. Over the past 24 hours, minimum temperatures have dipped to 10–12 degrees Celsius across the region, making it nearly impossible to step out after sunset without a sweater or jacket. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are expected to drop further, reaching 10 degrees Celsius by November 13, while pollution levels continue to choke the air. The chill has intensified across Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Greater Noida, with winds gusting up to 19 km/h. Though mornings and afternoons remain sunny, light mist and occasional fog are expected through next week, with no rain in the forecast. Even as the city wraps itself in woollens, air quality remains alarmingly poor. Friday’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered between 248 and 322 across NCR cities, well within the ‘severe’ category, showing little sign of improvement. Amid this, Delhi is preparing for what experts warn could be a harsher winter under the influence of La Nina, the climatic phenomenon known to bring colder temperatures to northern India. IMD forecasts suggest the Capital may see lows of 2–3 degrees Celsius below normal, and mercury could plunge to near 2 degrees Celsius in late December and January. To tackle the season ahead, the Delhi government has drafted its first Cold Wave Action Plan (2025–26), a coordinated framework involving the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and other civic agencies. The plan includes early cold-wave alerts, expanded night shelters, stocked supplies of blankets and warm clothing, and hospital readiness for cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) will ensure warm bedding, hot water, and power backup in its 200 shelters, while health departments prepare rapid-response teams. Even stray animals will be protected through temporary shelters and food support. (with inputs from news agencies) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.
