The icy winds from the mountains have started to affect the capital, Delhi, with the city experiencing a significant drop in temperature. As per the latest reports, today the minimum temperature recorded in Ayanagar has reached 3.8°C, while in Safdarjung, it is 4.9°C. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Thursday and Friday, warning of a cold wave, with temperatures expected to remain between 4°C and 6°C.
The cold wave on December 11th was a notable event as it was the first such occurrence in Delhi in 28 years. The temperature recorded on the morning of December 11 was 5°C lower than Tuesday, with a minimum temperature of 4.9°C in Safdarjung and 3.8°C in Ayanagar. This was the coldest December 11 in over two decades, with the last instance being in 1996 when the minimum temperature was 2.3°C. The lowest temperature ever recorded at the Safdarjung Observatory was 0.0°C on December 27, 1930.
The abrupt drop in temperature is attributed to the cold winds blowing from the Himalayas, which are sweeping across the plains. Additionally, the effect of the western disturbance has diminished, leading to a shift in wind patterns and a further decrease in temperature. The maximum temperature in Delhi was also recorded two degrees below normal, at 23°C, marking a 2°C drop within 24 hours.
A cold wave is defined in the plains when the minimum temperature falls to 10°C or lower, with a drop of 4.5-6.4°C below normal. A severe cold wave occurs when the temperature drops by 6.5°C or more. If the temperature drops to 4°C or below, it is also considered a cold wave, and at 2°C, a severe cold wave is declared. In the hilly areas, temperatures below 0°C are indicative of a cold wave.
The cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days, and residents of Delhi are advised to take precautions against the biting cold as the winter chill intensifies. The Meteorological Department has further cautioned that the ongoing cold wave could cause discomfort, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
