Delhi shivered as the mercury plunged to a chilling 3.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, January 12. This marked the season's first temperature reading below 4°C. The India Meteorological Department confirms the capital experienced its second official cold wave day.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Delhi NCR
The weather department has sounded an orange alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region. They predict cold wave conditions at several locations across the area on Tuesday, January 13. The IMD forecast specifically states cold wave conditions will affect isolated places on January 14 as well.
Private weather agency SkyMet echoed this prediction. They stated the cold wave will likely persist through the coming weekend. Both agencies agree that Delhi residents should brace for continued freezing conditions.
When Will Delhi Get Relief From the Cold?
Meteorologists offer some hope for next week. The IMD expects minimum temperatures to return to normal levels after January 15. SkyMet provides a more specific timeline, suggesting slight relief could arrive around January 16-17.
The IMD's detailed forecast indicates temperatures will remain "appreciably below normal" for January 13 and 14. Conditions should improve to "below normal" on January 15 before reaching normal ranges thereafter.
Current predictions show minimum temperatures rising gradually. They may reach 5-7°C on January 15, 6-8°C on January 16, and 8-10°C on January 17 and 18. No cold wave alerts have been issued for dates beyond January 14 at this time.
Western Disturbance Brings Potential Change
A fresh western disturbance is expected to influence weather patterns starting January 15. This system will primarily affect the Western Himalayan region initially.
SkyMet explains this disturbance could shift wind patterns to southeasterly directions in lower atmospheric levels. This change might temporarily reduce the intensity of freezing winds blowing down from northern slopes.
The weather agency predicts increased humidity and calmer breezes could marginally ease conditions on January 16 and 17. More significantly, they suggest the capital might experience its first proper winter showers between January 18 and 21.
Is This Winter Harsher Than Usual?
GP Sharma, president of Skymet Weather Services, addressed concerns about exceptionally severe winters. He acknowledged that harsh winter spells typically occur from mid-January through month's end.
While some reports suggested "very harsh" conditions this season, Sharma clarified the situation. He stated we can expect typical harsh spells as occur every winter, but nothing extraordinary or outside normal patterns.
"There are normally about five to six days of cold-wave conditions in a season," Sharma explained. "This year, one could add another two days or so. It could be a little more frequent, and that's all."
IMD's Cold Wave Safety Advisory
The weather department has issued important health guidelines for the cold conditions. They warn that chilly winds may intensify the cold sensation at times.
"Cold is tolerable but a mild health concern for vulnerable people," the IMD advisory states. "Do not ignore shivering. It is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors."
The IMD recommends several protective measures:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures
- Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight woolen clothing instead of single heavy layers
- Cover your head, neck, hands and toes thoroughly since these body parts lose heat rapidly
Delhi residents should prepare for several more days of biting cold before temperatures begin their gradual climb toward more comfortable levels next week.
