Cold-wave conditions have gripped north Indian states, including the national capital which is currently freezing at 4.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest of the season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'cold wave' alert till Friday. The forecast predicts cold wave conditions to persist at isolated places until the weekend.

The Safdarjung weather station recorded this low at 8:30 AM, which is four degrees below the seasonal average. This drop in temperature follows a 0.4-degree decrease in the 24-hour average, continuing a cold wave that has gripped the city for the second consecutive day. At the Palam weather station, the minimum temperature was recorded at 6 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees below normal. This station also noted a slight drop of 0.2 degrees in the 24-hour average temperature. The minimum temperature at the Pusa and Ayanagar stations was reported to be 3.2 degree Celsius and 3.8 degree Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature during the day was recorded at 22.2 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal, the IMD said.

Delhi will continue to reel under cold wave conditions for the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for Friday and Saturday, and forecast that cold wave conditions will persist in isolated places in Delhi. Cold, northwesterly winds up to 16 kmph are likely to blow during the next two days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperatures in early December across the national capital have been recorded below 5 degrees Celsius for the first time in 14 years.  IMD said the last time the minimum temperature dipped below 5 degree Celsius was on December 6, 1987, at 4.1 degree Celsius. On December 11, 1996, the minimum temperature was 2.3 degree Celsius. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

IMD defines cold wave conditions to occur when actual temperatures dip below 4.1 degree Celsius or when departures are more than 4.4 degree Celsius in plains, provided the normal minimum is less than or equal to 10 degree Celsius.

The weather department has advised people to wear several layers of loose fitting, light weight; warm woolen clothing. It also advised to cover your head, neck, hands and toes adequately as majority of heat loss occurs through these body parts.

It further stated that an increased likelihood of various illnesses like flu, running/ stuffy nose or nosebleed, which usually set in or get aggravated due to prolonged exposure to cold.  “Do not ignore shivering. It is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get Indoors,” it added. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) predicts that Delhi's air quality will remain in the "poor" category until at least Saturday. A bulletin released on Thursday evening stated: "The air quality is likely to stay 'poor' from Thursday to Saturday, with the outlook for the next six days also indicating 'poor' air quality."  A dip in temperatures prevents the dispersal of pollutants, while an increase in wind speed is favourable.

Smog and mist are likely on Friday morning, with a mainly clear sky during the day. Smog and mist are expected again in the evening and night. Delhi's air quality remained in the “poor” category, with a 24-hour average AQI of 288.

 Out of 38 monitoring stations, 20 recorded AQI in the “very poor” category, while the remaining stations reported air quality in the “poor” category, according to data from the Sameer app. The cold wave has also hit other states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and others.