Extreme Cold Wave: Delhi Shivers As Temp Drops To 1.8°C; Dense Fog Affects Trains

New Delhi: The cold wave in north India turned even more severe on Friday with the mercury dipping further.

Aya Nagar, in south-west Delhi, recorded a temperature of 1.8°C this morning, while in Safdarjung it was 4°C.

Those who don’t have a permanent shelter bore the brunt of extreme conditions and had to light up bonfires to get some relief.

Shelter homes have been opened for homeless people in many parts of Delhi-NCR. The demand, however, is much higher than supply as hundreds thronged to these makeshift shelters in their localities.

“We’ve 197 permanent shelter homes. During winter, we put up almost 250 tents in Delhi. Now, we’ve 190 functional tents & 50 are on standby mode. Apart from mattresses and blankets, we also provide 3 meals a day to occupants,” said Vipin Rai, Member, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, told ANI.

As dense fog enveloped the national Capital, railway movement was affected. Twelve trains were delayed by two to six hours while two had to be rescheduled, according to a Northern Railway spokesperson.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions may continue till January 11.