Delhi Braces for Chilling Temperatures as Yellow Alert Issued for Cold Wave

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Delhi and surrounding areas are experiencing a bitter cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to unseasonable lows. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a yellow alert has been issued for several cities in northern India, including the national capital, due to a prolonged cold wave. The IMD attributes the cold snap to a unique atmospheric phenomenon where a dense fog layer prevents sunlight from reaching the ground, resulting in lower daytime temperatures. This, combined with icy-cold northwesterlies, has left the region shivering. The IMD has predicted dense to very dense fog and 'cold day' conditions in the region, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15.7°C in Delhi. The coldest day in the capital was recorded on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to remain low until January 15. Air quality in the national capital has also taken a hit, with the air quality index (AQI) shooting up to 336, categorizing it as 'very poor'. The worst affected area was Nehru Nagar, with an AQI score of 360. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the IMD expects poor visibility over the morning and forenoon hours due to the dense fog. The yellow alert is in place until Thursday, with cold day warnings issued for several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.