Delhi experienced a sharp drop in temperature on Thursday, with the minimum reaching a season-low of 10.2°C, as cold northwesterly winds swept across the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury fell by over a degree from the previous day’s low of 11.2°C, marking a drop of 2°C below the normal temperature for this time of year.
The cold winds that gripped the city were accompanied by clear skies and bright sunshine, which led to a daytime maximum of 27°C, slightly above the previous day’s 26.8°C but still nearly a degree lower than the average for this time of year. The shift from the dense fog that had covered the city for much of the week allowed the sun to shine through and warm the city during the day.
IMD officials explained that the relatively high daytime maximum and low nighttime minimum were typical of a clear, sunny winter day. “When skies are clear and there’s ample sunshine, the day heats up, leading to a higher maximum temperature. However, the heat is quickly lost during the night, especially when cold winds prevail,” explained RK Jenamani, a scientist at the IMD.
The temperature at the Safdarjung observatory, considered representative for Delhi, recorded 10.2°C, but other areas of the city experienced even colder temperatures. The Ridge station in north Delhi recorded the coldest minimum of 8.1°C, followed by Lodhi Road at 9.2°C and Pusa at 10.1°C. Pitampura in northwest Delhi was the warmest part of the city, with a minimum of 15.2°C.
While the daytime temperatures have remained mild, experts predict that the minimum temperature could drop even further on Friday, possibly falling below the 10°C mark. “Northwesterly winds may push the minimum temperature even lower on Friday, but a shift in wind patterns over the weekend should bring a slight rise in the temperature,” said Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Meteorology. He forecast that by Sunday, the minimum could rise to 11-12°C as a western disturbance influences the plains.
The arrival of winter in Delhi has been delayed this year, with higher-than-usual temperatures throughout October and November. The city experienced its warmest October since 1951, largely due to the absence of western disturbances that typically bring cold weather to the region. However, the changing weather patterns this week, including a reduction in fog intensity, have led to a more typical winter scenario with colder nights.
In recent years, Delhi’s minimum temperatures have frequently dipped below 10°C in late November. In 2023, the lowest minimum recorded was 9.2°C on November 23, while in 2022, it fell to 7.3°C on November 29. With the onset of winter, Delhiites can expect more chilly nights ahead.
Sources By Agencies