Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Temperature Dip and Foggy Mornings Ahead
The National Capital Region, encompassing Delhi and its neighboring areas, is poised to experience a noticeable shift in weather conditions over the coming week. According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department, residents should prepare for a gradual decline in temperatures alongside persistent morning fog as atmospheric patterns from north India begin to exert their influence.
IMD Forecast: Cooling Trend and Cloudy Skies
The IMD has indicated that western disturbances and their associated cyclonic circulations will play a significant role in shaping the weather across Delhi and its surrounding regions starting from February 2. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain steady initially, followed by a drop of 2–4 degrees Celsius within the next few days. Maximum temperatures, which have been relatively comfortable recently, are forecast to fall below normal levels after two days, signaling a transition toward cooler daytime conditions.
During this period, the sky over Delhi will be partly cloudy, turning generally cloudy on February 2 before clearing up later in the week. This cloud cover, combined with changing wind patterns, will contribute to the cooling effect and the formation of fog.
Fog to Dominate Early Morning Hours
One of the most pressing weather concerns for Delhi-NCR residents is the anticipated presence of shallow to moderate fog, particularly during late night and early morning hours. The IMD has issued an alert that these foggy conditions are likely to persist for at least six days, potentially reducing visibility to as low as 500 meters in some areas.
Over the past 24 hours, light rain accompanied by thunderstorms was recorded at several locations in and around Delhi. Similar intermittent foggy conditions are expected throughout the week, especially when temperatures drop and moisture levels remain elevated during the early morning.
The IMD notes that weather conditions will remain largely uniform across all districts of Delhi and adjoining NCR cities, including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. Importantly, no severe weather warnings have been issued for the capital region during this forecast period.
Western Disturbances Impact North India
On a broader scale, IMD analysis reveals that a feeble western disturbance is likely to affect the higher reaches of the Himalayan region from the night of February 2. This system is expected to bring isolated to scattered rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh between February 2 and February 3.
Additionally, isolated thunderstorms with lightning are forecast over Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, east Uttar Pradesh, and parts of central Maharashtra on February 2. During the same period, isolated to scattered rainfall is likely over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, indicating that the influence of this weather system will extend well beyond the Himalayan belt.
By February 4, rainfall activity is expected to reduce significantly, with largely dry weather across the plains and only residual cloudiness lingering over northern regions. From February 5 to February 7, weather conditions are anticipated to remain mostly dry across much of the country, though isolated precipitation may occur over parts of the Western Himalayan Region due to the arrival of another fresh western disturbance from the night of February 5.
Dense Fog Warnings Across North and East India
Fog remains the primary weather hazard highlighted by the IMD during this period. Starting from February 2, dense fog is likely at isolated places across several states and regions. For Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, dense fog conditions are expected to persist until February 4, while Punjab and West Uttar Pradesh may continue to experience fog until February 5.
The IMD has also identified east Rajasthan as a fog-prone area on February 3-5, while sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are expected to experience dense fog until February 3. This fog is likely to occur during night and early morning hours, potentially affecting road, rail, and air transport services.
Temperature Trends in Northwest India
From February 2 onwards, minimum temperatures across northwest India are projected to show a gradual fall of 2–4 degrees Celsius over the next three days, after which temperatures are likely to stabilize with no significant further change. Over Uttar Pradesh, minimum temperatures may briefly rise before falling again after February 2, aligning with changing wind patterns and cloud cover.
Despite this cooling trend, the IMD has not issued any cold wave warnings for the plains during the current forecast period. This indicates that while nights are expected to become colder, the situation is likely to remain manageable without extreme weather conditions.
Public Advisory for Delhi and NCR Residents
Given the forecast, people in Delhi and the NCR have been advised to exercise caution, especially during early morning hours when fog is likely to be at its thickest. Reduced visibility could pose hazards for commuters, particularly on highways and major roads.
Key recommendations from the IMD include:
- Motorists should reduce speed, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and use fog lights when necessary.
- Air and train passengers are advised to check their schedules in advance, as delays due to fog are not ruled out.
- Residents should continue to monitor official forecasts and advisories for the latest updates as weather conditions evolve throughout the week.
With light winds and cloudy skies expected to continue, and no immediate danger from extreme weather conditions indicated for the national capital, staying informed through reliable sources remains crucial for safe planning and travel.
