The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning residents that severe cold wave conditions are likely to grip the national capital over the coming days. This alert comes as the city recorded a sharp drop in minimum temperature, significantly below the seasonal average.
Mercury Plunges Below Seasonal Norm
On Monday, December 2, 2025, Delhi woke up to a chilly morning with the minimum temperature settling at a brisk 5.7 degrees Celsius. This reading was a substantial 4.6 degrees Celsius below the season's normal temperature, comfortably satisfying the official criteria for declaring cold wave conditions in the region.
Understanding the IMD's Cold Wave Criteria
The IMD classifies a cold wave when specific meteorological conditions are met. For the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi subdivision, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature departure from normal is below -4.4°C at a minimum of two stations for two consecutive days. The current temperature pattern has triggered this precise warning mechanism.
What Does the Yellow Alert Mean?
The IMD's yellow alert is the least severe warning on its three-color scale but signals adverse weather conditions that people should be aware of. It advises citizens to stay updated on forecasts and take necessary precautions. The alert indicates that the cold, dry winds are likely to persist, leading to similar low temperatures over the next few days.
Authorities often issue advisories during such alerts, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, homeless, and young children. The public is advised to:
- Wear adequate warm clothing in layers.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
- Stay hydrated and consume warm fluids.
With the yellow alert in force, Delhiites must brace for a continued spell of intense winter weather as the year draws to a close.
