Delhi experiences colder day than Shimla, Dharamshala
On Thursday, Delhi experienced colder temperatures than the hill stations of Shimla and Dharamshala, with the maximum temperature dropping to a chilly 12.5°C, seven degrees below normal. This marks the lowest temperature of the season and the first "severe cold day" for Delhi. Shimla reached a high of 13°C, while Dharamshala saw a maximum of 19.2°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Delhi's cold spell will continue for at least two more days.
Temperature variations across Delhi and IMD's forecast
Delhi's base observatory at Safdarjung weather station recorded a temperature of 12.5°C. However, other parts of the city experienced even lower temperatures, such as Palam (11.4°C), Ridge (12°C), and Ayanagar (11.6 °C). IMD officials reported that severe cold and cold day conditions were observed in several parts of north and central India. They also expect minimum and maximum temperatures to rise by 2-4°C starting from January 7.
Light rain is expected in Delhi and surrounding areas
IMD officials predict that Delhi and its surrounding areas may get light rain at the beginning of next week. An IMD official stated, "Isolated to scattered very light/light rainfall is also likely over Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, south Haryana, south Uttar Pradesh between January 8 and 9." This shift in weather is due to the influence of warm and moist southwesterly winds, which are expected to cause a rise in temperatures across the region.
Cold wave alert issued in various parts of North India
A cold wave alert has been issued by the IMD for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab. For most of eastern and adjacent central India, the minimum temperatures are predicted to be quite below the normal. IMD stated in its report that over most of Gujarat and the Western Himalayan Region, the minimum and maximum temperatures are probably going to be "1-3°C above average," and over the rest of the nation, they're probably going to be close to average.
IMD predicts 'isolated heavy rainfall' for many South Indian states
In addition, IMD has forecasted sporadic periods of intense rain over Lakshadweep, south Kerala, and south Tamil Nadu over the next four to five days. Reports further convey that on January 5 (Friday), similar weather conditions are likely to occur in the coastal regions of Karnataka. Chennai is also being monitored because Sunday, January 7, is predicted to bring with it some moderate rainfall. This is concerning in light of the recent devastating floods that the state experienced.
