Delhi Freezes at 5.8°C: Coldest Morning This Season, Here’s What It Means for Your Health

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Delhi broke its cold spell and woke up to a shivering morning with the mercury dipping to around 5.8°C, one of the coldest mornings in the national capital this season. The city continues to reel under severe cold, dense fog, and poor air quality conditions, affecting a million lives.

What's Happening with the Weather?

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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this extreme low, recorded at stations like Safdarjung, Palam, and Ridge, puts Delhi well below normal temperatures for this time of year. Forecasts indicate that this cold spell may possibly continue for several more days with dense fog.

Besides the cold weather conditions, the quality of air remains poor to very poor in the region with Delhi's AQI crossing 300.

Why This Weather Matters for Your Health

When the temperature drops suddenly and stays low, it isn't just uncomfortable; it can also affect your body and well-being:

1. Cold Stress and Respiratory Issues

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Cold air makes your body work harder to keep up the core temperature. Coughs, colds, and irritation to the airways can be triggered by this factor, especially in vulnerable individuals with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions. Symptoms feel worse because dry winter air makes breathing more difficult.

2. Increased Risk for Heart Patients

As the blood vessels constrict due to the low temperatures, the blood pressure goes up, which tends to cause heart attacks or heart stress, particularly in older people or people with heart conditions.

3. Hypothermia and Frostbite

Although it is uncommon to experience frostbites in Delhi's plains, it is possible to have hypothermia due to increased exposure to low temperatures. Hypothermia is a serious reduction in body temperature, which is life-threatening to children, senior citizens, and those who have to spend a lot of time in the open.

4. Fog + Pollution = Double Trouble

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Fog, cold, and poor air quality are common companions in Delhi winters. When the pollutants mix with the fog, the smog forms. It may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Practical Tips to Stay Healthy in the Chill

Here's how you can protect yourself and your loved ones in this cold spell:

• Layer clothing: Several thin layers provide better warmth than clothing made from thick material.
• Cover exposed areas of skin: Scarves, gloves, and hats will all help to keep the body warm.
• Dry and warm indoors: Avoid prolonged stays in a cold environment, especially early morning and late night.
• Keep your body hydrated with warm water or any other warm fluid: Hot tea, soup, or warm water helps maintain internal warmth.
• Look out for symptoms: If you or family members have chills, numbness, cough, or a burning sensation in the throat and eyes, move to a safe location and seek medical attention.

Wrap-Up

Delhi's recent plunge to around 5.8 °C, one of the lowest this winter, isn't just a number on a weather report. It's a health signal that the cold, mixed with fog and poor air quality, can strain the body, particularly among vulnerable populations. Dress warmly, stay informed with forecasts, and take steps to protect your health amid the continuing cold wave.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.