Delhi AQI: The air quality index of the national capital continued to be in the 'severe' category even on Thursday with the city recording an AQI of 448 at 8 AM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Anan Viahar recorded an AQI of 478, 474 at Ashok Vihar, 460 at Bawana and 461 at DTU.

While the AQI continues to choke the national capital, cold wave has also gripped parts of North India, leading to a dip in temperature. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded as 7 degrees Celsius, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The MeT department has also predicted smog and dense fog conditions likely to intensify due to the predominant surface winds from the north wind direction.

Meanwhile, the winter become a problem to the pedestrians and people who live in poor localities with no shelter.

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"This year, the winters have come late so we are expecting it to stay till late next year. The temperature has decreased and we can expect it to decrease more in the coming days," one pedestrian was quoted as saying by ANI.

"The people who take shelter outside AIIMS are the ones who battle the cold weather. It is really tough for them. The temperature will decrease more and it will become more difficult for them. People should take precaution and take care of their body temperatures during these weather conditions," said another pedestrian.

Amid the cold weather, Air Force personnel were seen rehearsing for the 78th Republic Day at Kartavya Path.As the AQI of national capital is not improving, GRAP stage IV measures have been in effect in the entire NCR since December 16 after the deterioration in air quality.

This decision came after Delhi's AQI surpassed the 400 mark. On Monday night, the AQI was reported as 399 at 9 PM and crossed into the severe zone at 401 by 10 PM.

(With inputs from ANI)