Delhi’s winter chill intensified on Thursday, with temperatures plunging to the city’s coldest December day in the past three years. The minimum temperature dropped to 4.5°C, with Pusa and Ayangar areas recording 3.2°C and 3.8°C, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city also witnessed cold wave conditions, with the IMD extending its cold wave warnings for parts of North India until the weekend.
Cold Wave Grips Delhi
Thursday marked a significant drop in temperature for Delhi, which had been experiencing relatively mild winters in the past two years. The minimum temperature, recorded at 4.5°C, was 0.4°C below normal, a sharp decline from 5°C on Wednesday. Notably, in December 2023 and 2022, the temperature never dipped below 4.9°C. On Thursday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 22.2°C, 0.8°C below normal.
The IMD has forecasted a minimum temperature of around 4°C for Friday, with cold wave conditions likely at isolated places. Morning smog and mist, along with clear skies, are expected. By evening and night, the city could experience more smog and mist. The IMD has also warned that cold wave conditions occur when the temperature drops below 4.1°C or the deviation from the normal temperature exceeds 4.4°C below average.
Forecast for North India
The IMD’s extended forecast highlights that the cold wave conditions will persist across parts of North India. Cold wave conditions are likely to continue in parts of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana until December 15, with isolated pockets in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh experiencing similar conditions until December 13. Delhi is expected to face cold wave conditions through December 14.
In addition, dense fog is predicted for areas like Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar until December 13, while Assam, Meghalaya, and the northeastern states are likely to experience dense fog until December 17. Ground frost conditions are expected in Uttar Pradesh on December 12 and 13.
The IMD has also predicted a gradual drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over East India in the coming days, while temperatures in West India are expected to rise by 2-3°C, excluding Gujarat.
Impact and Preparedness
The cold wave and dense fog conditions are likely to disrupt daily life in several regions, with poor visibility affecting road traffic, especially in northern states. Authorities have urged people to take necessary precautions, such as wearing warm clothing and driving carefully due to the reduced visibility caused by fog.
As Delhi and surrounding regions brace for more cold weather, the IMD has advised citizens to stay updated on the latest weather conditions and take steps to stay safe and warm during this cold wave.
Sources By Agencies
