Coldwave conditions swept several parts of the national Capital for a second consecutive day on Monday as the minimum temperature dropped to 4.5 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal. This is the joint lowest minimum temperature so far this season after the city recorded 4.5 degree Celsius on December 12 as well. In the coming days, Delhi may witness a further increase in the coldwave with shallow fog in various parts due to calm winds and high humidity. In its weather bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a cold wave warning for certain states of northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, among other states that would persist till Saturday in Delhi and several other states.
The temperature in certain areas of Delhi went even below 4.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Pusa was recorded at 3.5 degrees Celsius, while in Ayanagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at 4 degrees Celsius.
At Najafgarh, the minimum temperature was slightly higher, at 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Amid the coldwave sweeping through the national capital, many people are seeking refuge in night shelters, hoping to find food, shelter, and warmth to endure the freezing nights.Those without proper housing often seek refuge at railway platforms, whilst others gather around bonfires that are maintained throughout the night for warmth.
A coldwave is officially declared in the plains when the minimum temperature falls to 4 degrees Celsius or below, or when it registers a drop of 4.5 to 6.4 degrees from normal. With temperatures hovering around these thresholds, the Capital has seen biting cold mornings, forcing residents to bundle up against the chill.
As cold wave conditions prevail in Delhi, the city's old age homes have started taking measures to ensure the safety and comfort of their residents. A nutritious diet, daily sun exposure, thermal blankets and insulated flooring are among several steps the old age homes have taken to protect elderly people who are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses like hypothermia.
Sai Sahara Old Age Home founder member Rajeshwari Mishra said, "Individuals aged between 60 and 90, are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and respiratory issues. It's essential to ensure that they are warm and breathing comfortably." Residents are being encouraged to spend time in the sun daily and boost their Vitamin D levels, he said
"We have stopped serving certain cold foods like curd and included chyawanprash and seasonal foods in their diet," he said. Geeta Basin, a caretaker at Nirmal Chhaya Old Age Home, said, "Our old age home is situated on a farmhouse with 30 rooms, currently housing 18 elderly residents aged between 68 and 90. Being an open space, the home allows for long hours of sun exposure during the day."
"After sunset, the residents settle indoors with heaters, warm food, and regular exercises, all of which we are meticulously taking care of," Basin said. A coordinator from We Care Old Age Home said, "Since there is ample sunlight, we are not providing heaters as they can cause discomfort or suffocation to many. We only use heaters when absolutely necessary." Thermal blankets, insulated flooring and warm beverages are among the other measures being implemented.
"We are closely monitoring the residents for any signs of cold stress and ensuring immediate medical attention if required. Additionally, we are focusing on group activities, which are scheduled during the daytime in sunlit areas," the coordinator said.
