Cold wave conditions continued in Gurugram on Friday as temperatures dropped sharply overnight, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording a minimum temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am. The reading was 3.5 degrees below normal and marked one of the coldest mornings this winter.
The city woke up to a hazy start, though visibility improved gradually. By 8.30 am, visibility in the outskirts had increased to around 900 metres, according to weather officials.
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Residents were seen braving the cold early in the morning, with many using bonfires and extra layers to keep warm. The sharp dip followed a cold night with light and variable winds blowing at around 4 kmph, IMD officials said.
Cold to ease slightly, western disturbance may bring changes
Despite Friday’s low temperature, the IMD’s extended forecast suggests some relief in the coming days. Minimum temperatures in Gurugram are expected to range between 4°C and 6°C until January 22, while maximum temperatures are likely to stay between 22°C and 24°C. On Thursday, the district recorded a maximum temperature of 18.2°C.
Meteorologists said the current dry spell is expected to continue until January 17. However, weather conditions could change soon.
The IMD’s weekly forecast for Haryana indicates no major change in minimum temperatures until Friday, followed by a gradual rise of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius over the next four days. Another western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India from January 19, the department added.
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Air quality remains a concern
Alongside the cold, air pollution continued to trouble residents. Gurugram’s air quality stayed in the ‘very poor’ category on Friday morning. At 9 am, the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app recorded an AQI of 346.
All four active air quality monitoring stations in the district reported readings between 320 and 370, indicating unhealthy conditions, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems.
Authorities have advised residents to limit prolonged outdoor exposure during early morning and late evening hours as cold and pollution levels remain high.
