Gurugram shivers in coldest winter in 90 years; AQI dips

Gurugram has endured its coldest temperatures in nearly nine decades, with the mercury dipping to -0.9°C on Monday and -0.4°C on Tuesday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 2.2°C, but frost covered the outskirts and open areas. Social media users shared images of frost on cars and plants, which, in some areas, gave the illusion of snow.

Weather expert Navdeep Dahiya also posted a video on social media showing the temperature in an open area dropping to -0.4°C. While the weather department clarified that the city had not experienced, nor was expected to experience, snowfall, the cold conditions prompted the local administration to issue an alert for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with heart conditions.

Special teams have been deployed to ensure the homeless are accommodated in night shelters, with arrangements for heaters and warm drinks. The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the public to refrain from making late-night donations on the streets, as such acts have been deterring some homeless individuals from

seeking shelter.

Faridabad, while slightly warmer, is also experiencing a significant temperature drop, similar to Gurugram. However, both cities have been grappling with dangerously poor air quality.

On Tuesday, air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching severe levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings in Sector-51 and surrounding areas of New Gurugram hit 430, and the Vikas Sadan area near the Delhi-Jaipur Highway saw levels exceed 422. Particulate matter was found to be eight times higher than normal. Private weather agencies reported even more alarming figures, with AQI levels reaching 879 in some parts of New Gurugram and 670 near Vikas Sadan.

Visibility on city roads was severely reduced, affecting the elderly, especially those out for their morning walks. Hospitals reported a sharp increase in cases of respiratory distress, eye irritation, and persistent coughing. Doctors have warned that exposure to such toxic air without an N95 mask could lead to long-term lung damage.