A prolonged Cold Day spell was observed in Delhi and NCR for almost the entire second half of December. The last day of the month (December 31) also saw the day temperatures settle below 16 degrees Celsius.
Averaging out the temperatures recorded in December 2019 for Safdarjung Observatory:
Averaging out the temperatures recorded in December 2019 for Palam Observatory:
On the other hand, as a matter of relief temperatures soared a bit on New Year day, due to sunshine and clear sky. The day maximum increased to settle at 20.5 degrees Celsius, making Delhi’s weather pleasant. As a matter of fact, it’s been six years in a row that the day temperature has clocked more than 20 degrees on the New Year Day after 2014 (18.2°C).
However, the New Year night wasn’t any different and the Minimum temperature again dropped to settle at 2.4 degrees Celsius (as recorded on the morning of January 1) which marks the coldest start to a New Year in the last seven years.
Looking at the forecast, we expect the day temperatures to remain in the comfortable zone of lower 20s for the next few days. Also, the minimums will increase leading to abatement of Cold Wave conditions as successive Western Disturbances are expected to approach the Western Himalayas until January 9. Therefore, icy cold winds from the hills will not affect the Northern Plains including Delhi and NCR. We do not expect Cold Wave or Cold Day conditions to make a comeback over the city until the first ten days of January. There will be a relief from bitter cold for the next 8 to 10 days.
Pollution levels still remain in ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category in the region. We do not expect any relief from the hazardous air conditions in the coming days. Although, due to rise in day temperatures, pollutants may disperse to some extent, but pollution will continue to remain in ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category.
Another intense Western Disturbance is expected to approach Western Himalayas around January 7. So, we expect scattered light rains to occur over Delhi and NCR on January 7 and 8, but we have to wait and see whether rains will be widespread or patchy.
Image Credits – Goibibo
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