Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season on Thursday as the minimum temperature dropped to 5.8 degrees Celsius, according to data from the India Meteorological Department. The reading was recorded at the Safdarjung weather station, which is considered representative of the city’s overall weather conditions, and was 1.1 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.
Biting cold conditions have gripped Delhi and the National Capital Region, with residents stepping out in heavy winter clothing as both day and night temperatures continue to remain below normal. The IMD attributed the sharp chill to the combined effect of upper-level fog and icy northwesterly winds sweeping across the region.
The minimum temperature recorded on Thursday was lower than the previous seasonal low of 6.1 degrees Celsius, which had been logged on December 20. On Wednesday, the city also witnessed “cold day” conditions for the second consecutive day, as the maximum temperature settled at 16.7 degrees Celsius. While this was marginally higher than Tuesday’s maximum of 15.7 degrees Celsius, it remained about two degrees below normal.
According to the IMD, weather stations at Palam and Lodhi Road also reported cold day conditions on Wednesday. The department has predicted a slight rise of around one degree Celsius in the maximum temperature on Thursday but said there would be no significant overall change in weather conditions. A yellow alert, issued earlier, continues to remain in place.
Delhi was expected to record a maximum temperature of around 16.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, marking a departure of about 2.3 degrees Celsius from normal levels. As per IMD classification, a “cold day” is declared when the minimum temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius below normal. A “severe cold day” is recorded when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees Celsius or more below the average.
Meteorologists have warned that cold conditions are likely to persist across north India until January 15. Navdeep Dahiya, an amateur weatherman, said that in the absence of any western disturbance during this period, similar weather patterns are expected to continue. He added that several parts of Punjab, Haryana, northwest Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh could see single-digit maximum temperatures in the coming days.