Delhi usually records cold wave spells in December and January
Delhi usually records cold wave spells in December and January

On Wednesday, the minimum temperature in Delhi reached the season’s low of 4.9 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung station. This is the same as last year’s lowest minimum temperature for the month, which was recorded on December 15, 2023.

Cold wave conditions have kicked in, as the minimum recorded temperature in Delhi is now 5 degrees below normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a ‘cold wave’ as a minimum temperature less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius for plains with a temperature deviation of 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius. A cold wave can also be proclaimed based on the actual minimum temperature, which must be 4 degrees Celsius or lower.

According to IMD data, the lowest monthly minimum temperature recorded over the recent decade was 2.4 degrees Celsius in 2019. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature was 23 degrees Celsius, two notches below usual. So far, Delhi has not had a frigid day this season. According to the IMD, a cold day occurs when the maximum temperature dips 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below average.

Cold waves are common in Delhi throughout the months of December and January. The lowest minimum temperature ever recorded was 0°C in December 1930. Strong dry cold Northwesterly winds are a primary contributor to the cold wave conditions.

What’s the prediction for the coming week?

The IMD predicts that cold wave conditions will remain in Delhi on Thursday. The minimum temperature will be between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius. Mist is expected on Friday and Saturday, followed by shallow fog on Sunday. The forecast predicts that fog will prevail in the following week.

Senior IMD scientist Krishna Mishra stated, “While the temperature usually lowers around this time, it has dropped drastically this time since precipitation in the form of snowfall is being witnessed in Himachal Pradesh due to a western cyclone in the region. 

“Due to the likely not having any significant western disruption and likely persistence of strong surface wind speeds (10-20 kmph) during the daytime, minimum temperatures are projected to prevail in a range of 4-6 degrees Celsius over Delhi during the ensuing three to four days,” Mishra said.