Delhi experienced its coldest December day in three years on Thursday, with the minimum temperature plunging to 4.5°C, four degrees below normal. This temperature was even lower than hill stations like Shimla (5°C) and Mussoorie (6.9°C). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the presence of cold wave conditions in parts of the city and issued a yellow alert, predicting that similar conditions would persist until Saturday.
Delhi Weather: IMD’s Explanation
The IMD attributed the temperature drop to northwesterly winds and a western disturbance causing snowfall in the Himalayas. An IMD official explained, “The western disturbance, which began affecting northwest India from December 8, continues to bring fresh snowfall to the mountains, resulting in the drop in temperatures across the plains.” The IMD also noted that further temperature dips could occur if there’s no change in wind speed or direction.
What is a Cold Wave?
A cold wave is classified by the IMD when the minimum temperature is below 10°C and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C lower than normal. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a low of 4.9°C, marking the earliest cold wave dip since 1987.
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Coldest Areas in Delhi
Ayanagar recorded the lowest temperature in the city at 3.8°C, while Pusa saw a low of 3.2°C, making these the coldest spots on Thursday.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Cold winds are expected to continue until Sunday, fueled by recent snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The snowfall is predicted to cease by Friday, with the minimum temperature gradually rising by a degree or two afterward.
Unseasonal Patterns in December
Despite the ongoing cold wave, IMD forecasts indicate that December will remain warmer than usual across most of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR. On Thursday, the maximum temperature reached 22.2°C, just below normal, with Palam observing the lowest maximum of 19.6°C.
Residents are advised to prepare for freezing mornings and chilly days as the cold wave continues until conditions improve.