Residents of the national capital woke up to a severe chill on Thursday morning as the mercury dipped sharply, marking one of the coldest days of the season so far.
Mercury Plummets to Season's Third Lowest
The Safdarjung observatory, which serves as the official marker for Delhi's weather, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius. This reading is a significant three degrees below the season's normal average. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the third lowest minimum temperature recorded this winter season.
Other parts of the city experienced even harsher conditions. The weather station at Lodhi Road logged a low of 5.4 degrees Celsius. The Ridge area and Ayanagar reported 5.6 degrees and 6.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
IMD Issues Dense Fog and Cold Day Forecast
The IMD has forecast that the cold wave and dense fog conditions are likely to persist. The weather office has issued a 'yellow alert' for dense fog in Delhi for both Thursday and Friday. A 'yellow alert' advises residents to "be aware" of the local weather situation.
Furthermore, the IMD has predicted a 'cold day' condition for the capital on Thursday. A 'cold day' is officially declared when the minimum temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees below the normal. This combination of low day and night temperatures intensifies the feeling of cold.
The visibility was severely affected in the early hours due to dense fog, disrupting road and rail traffic. The IMD classifies fog as "dense" when visibility is between 50 and 200 meters.
Weather Patterns and Future Outlook
The prevailing cold and foggy conditions are attributed to light winds and high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere over the northern plains of India. These conditions are typical for this time of the year but have been particularly pronounced.
Looking ahead, the IMD's forecast suggests a slight moderation in the cold, but only marginally. The minimum temperature in Delhi is expected to hover around 7 degrees Celsius on Friday. However, dense fog is likely to make another appearance in the morning hours. Over the subsequent 2-3 days, the minimum temperatures are predicted to rise by about 2-3 degrees, potentially bringing some slight relief from the intense chill.
Authorities advise citizens, especially the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, to take necessary precautions against the cold. The persistent fog also calls for caution among commuters, with drivers urged to use fog lights and avoid high speeds.
