As Temperature Dips In Delhi, Here's How You Can Help Those In Need Survive The Bitter Cold

Those in the national capital are experiencing, first-hand, Delhi's coldest December yet in five years. Weather experts warn that it's only going to get colder in the next two to three days.

And while we're doing our best to keep ourselves and our loved ones warm, we need to also spare a thought for the needy who can barely afford to cope with the biting cold.

Reuters

Statistics suggest that after lightning, extreme rainfall, and hot weather, extremely cold weather has caused the most number of deaths in the country.

What probably makes matters worse is the fact that the national capital has been witnessing the longest cold day spell after 12 years.

Cold day conditions arise when the maximum temperature falls down by 4.5 degrees Celcius in winters. Severe cold day conditions arise when there is a decline of 6.5 degrees Celcius in the maximum temperature.

On Wednesday, a minimum of six degrees Celsius was recorded in the wee hours. As many as 25 Delhi-bound trains were running late by more than two hours on Wednesday due to foggy conditions prevailing over North India.

The weather department said a cold wave is likely to hit Delhi as the mercury is expected to drop to four degrees Celsius on the weekend. Since December 16, the national capital has registered nine cold days, equal to the number recorded in 2003. The city recorded a maximum of 17 cold days in December 1997.

Reuters

Amid these freezing conditions, here's how you can help the homeless stay warm:

1. Get in touch with an NGO and donate your discarded winter coats and sweaters to the poor.

2. If you drive a car to work or any other place, always keep some blankets and sweaters handy so you give them to the needy you spot on the streets.

3. There are people who cannot afford to have a proper roof over their heads, which can make it even harder for them to survive the cold. You can volunteer with NGOs that provide shelter to the poor.

4. In far-flung villages and even in cities homeless people or the poor spend their meager savings in renting woolens. By donating your clothes they can save that money for a rainy day.

5. If possible, give packed food to the homeless. An empty stomach makes it even more difficult to survive harsh weather.

According to Kuldeep Shrivastav, a scientist at the Indian Meteorological Department, cold wave conditions with dense fog are likely from December 27. Cold wave condition is the one when the minimum temperature below 11 degrees Celcius falls down by four degrees.

Dense fog will persist between December 29 to 30 since the wind speed is likely to decline.