New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The capital city of Delhi witnessed a notable decline in temperature on Thursday, as cold wave conditions and adverse weather blanketed the region.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Delhi dropped to 6.4 degrees Celsius at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The MeT Department forecasts a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius for the day, while the maximum temperature is predicted to be around 21 degrees Celsius.

In comparison to the previous days, the temperature recorded at approximately 5:30 a.m. fell between 8 degrees and 11 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has warned of dense fog enveloping the city on Thursday, although contrasting visuals have emerged from various parts of the city.

As the cold wave persisted, many homeless individuals sought refuge in night shelters. A night shelter on Lodhi Road was reported to have all its beds occupied.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter for the homeless. Night shelters have also been established across numerous locations in the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital has fallen to poor quality, albeit by a slight margin. The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 299 at 7 a.m. according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

An AQI ranging from zero to 50 is deemed 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.

On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Stage-III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a significant improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

However, Stage-I and Stage-II measures will continue to remain effective, as stated by officials on Sunday.

This decision follows a review of air quality data and IMD/IITM forecasts by the Sub-Committee on GRAP, noting a declining trend in AQI levels.