Winter tightened its hold over north India on Tuesday as temperatures dipped sharply across multiple states, even as Delhi recorded a marginal improvement in its air quality after days of “very poor” conditions.
The national capital woke up to fog-laden skies and a biting chill. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a stronger cold wave spell is expected to sweep across northern and central India over the next 48 hours.
Delhi’s Air Quality Improves Slightly
Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 293, up from 318 a day earlier shifting from “very poor” to the upper end of the “poor” category.
However, pollution hotspots continued to choke, with:
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Anand Vihar: AQI 319
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Bawana: AQI 343
The capital had recorded an AQI of 308 on Sunday, extending weeks of toxic smog that continues to impact visibility and public health.
Temperature to Drop Further
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10°C and a maximum of 25°C. IMD warns the mercury may dip further over the next two days, intensifying the cold wave.
Cold Wave Across Northern India
The chill extended across the northern belt, with:
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Amarnath Yatra base camp in Jammu & Kashmir emerging as the coldest spot at –4.3°C.
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Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between 3°C and 7°C.
IMD forecasts cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of:
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Madhya Pradesh
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Vidarbha (Maharashtra)
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Chhattisgarh
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Odisha
A weak western disturbance may bring cloudy skies to Rajasthan, accompanied by a temporary 2–3°C rise in night temperatures.
Fresh Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
Upper Himachal Pradesh witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall, including:
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Rohtang Pass
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Surrounding higher-altitude regions
Authorities have officially closed the Manali–Leh road beyond Darcha, part of its routine winter shutdown due to dangerous road conditions. The route is expected to reopen around May–June. The Gramphoo–Losar stretch has also been closed.
Despite mobility restrictions, snowfall brought festive cheer to local communities as the winter season sets in.
