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The once-familiar chill of Delhi winters, affectionately known as 'Dilli ki sardi,' has become a distant memory for longtime residents. The arrival of November used to usher in crisp mornings and brisk evenings, a welcome respite from the sweltering summer months. However, today, as Diwali celebrations fade, the anticipated cold remains elusive, overshadowed by a thick blanket of pollution.
The days of chilly, foggy mornings, even around festivals like Diwali and Durga Puja, are fast fading into the realm of generational memories. In homes and high-rise apartments alike, residents find themselves reaching for fans, or even air conditioning, well into November—a stark contrast to the past. Walking through Delhi today, the air isn't simply cool; it's heavy with smog, a hazardous haze laden with pollutants from vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, and, during this time of year, smoke from stubble burning in neighboring states.
This toxic mix settles over the city during winter, trapped by temperature inversion, a phenomenon where warm air holds down cold air (and pollution) close to the ground. The result is a city shrouded in a smoggy haze, transforming winter's charm into a health hazard. October 2023 was the warmest October in Delhi since 1901, indicating a likely continuation of this trend into November. The India Meteorological Department attributes this unusual warmth to a lack of western disturbances and atypical easterly winds.
However, beyond weather patterns, the warming winters in Delhi are part of a broader climate shift, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and escalating pollution levels. If these trends continue unchecked, Delhi's winter might soon become nothing more than a cherished memory, replaced by warmer days and suffocating air. This situation serves as a stark call to action—not just to preserve the season itself, but to ensure the very breathability of our beloved city.
Source: A winter far from chilly: Where is Dilli ki sardi? - CNBC TV18