The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Delhi is experiencing an early winter chill, with temperatures dropping significantly below seasonal averages. The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, marking the beginning of a colder-than-usual winter season.
Delhi's Temperature Plunge
According to the latest IMD bulletin, temperatures in the national capital are currently 2-4 degrees below normal for this time of year. The weather agency has predicted that this cooling trend will continue, with minimum temperatures expected to range between 10°C and 12°C, while maximum temperatures will hover between 27°C and 29°C.
"The minimum temperature will be below normal up to 2-4°C and the maximum temperature will be below normal up to 1-2°C," stated the IMD in its official weather update. The department attributes this temperature drop to cold north-westerly winds blowing from the Himalayas into the plains of north India.
Weather Conditions and Wind Patterns
While Delhi's sky is expected to remain mostly clear, residents should prepare for smog and shallow fog during morning hours. The IMD has forecast predominant surface winds from the west direction with speeds of 10 kmph during morning hours, gradually increasing to 20 kmph from the northwest direction as the day progresses.
Weather officials explained that these specific wind patterns are responsible for the rapid temperature drop. "These winds allow heat to escape rapidly after sunset, causing colder nights in Delhi," they noted, adding that the impact is expected to continue in the capital for at least the next four to five days.
Cold Wave Spreads Across Northwest India
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings about cold wave conditions extending beyond Delhi to several other regions. Significant temperature drops are predicted across parts of northwest and central India, with cold wave conditions expected to prevail in East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand until November 11.
This early onset of winter conditions signals a potentially harsher cold season ahead for northern and central parts of the country. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide regular updates as the weather pattern evolves.
