Record-breaking cold in Delhi, max day temp lowest in 119 years: IMD

"It is the ever lowest day maximum temperature in the record since the year 1901 for the December day maximum temperature," the Met department said.

With severe cold weather conditions likely to remain over the northern region in the country for a couple of days, the Met Office has issued a red warning.

The minimum temperature on Monday settled at 2.6 degrees C, four degrees below the season's average.

The extreme weather conditions are not less than a nightmare for those living on the streets as night shelters are also jam-packed with homeless seeking refuge from the freezing cold.

Due to the thick layer of fog in the morning, many flights and trains were delayed while the fog continued to remain for a good period during the day.

To add to the woes of Delhiites in the extreme weather, air quality also continued to fall under the 'severe' category with an index value of 449 recorded at around 6 PM as low temperature and high humidity made it difficult for the dispersion of the particulate matter.

Doctors have advised people to be more cautious while moving around in the open and going for morning walks and other physical activities due to severe air and the severe cold weather as people are prone to the breathing troubles and respiratory diseases in such conditions while heart patients also face risks due to the weather.

Biting chill and cold winds have added to the hardships of people, while 'severe' air quality adding to the health risks.

The weatherman has forecast severe cold weather conditions for Tuesday with the minimum temperature hovering around 3 degrees C and a maximum around 11 degrees C.

Image credit: UNI