Today, Delhi recorded a minimum of 6.2⁰C (2 degrees below the normal average of 8.5⁰C). Weather models at Skymet show a drop in night temperatures by about 2 more degrees in the national capital due to two approaching systems (Western Disturbance) in the next couple of days.
“The first Western Disturbance, likely to come into effect from the 27th of December could give snow in Jammu and Kashmir, but only in the higher reaches. This system may only travel in the higher latitudes and not bring any major changes to the weather in the Northern plains. However, the second Western Disturbance to approach around the 31st of December, may lead to a significant drop in temperatures in Delhi and adjoining plains”, explains a senior meteorologist at Skymetweather.com
The change in the weather in the hills is therefore likely to affect Punjab too. Amritsar on Thursday morning saw the minimum drop and settle around 2.2⁰C, which is a common observation in the city during this time of the year. The lowest minimum recorded in Amritsar was 3.6⁰C (9th Dec) in 1996, leading to frost and cold day conditions. Meanwhile, Adampur is already freezing at -1.2 degrees Celsius.
Delhi’s severe winter sets new records every time around the New Year’s Eve. On December 30, 1973 the city witnessed a drop in minimum to -1.3⁰C, the lowest ever. “Yes, this time too, New Year could bring along with it colder weather in Delhi and North India, with possibilities of rain in Delhi, frost in Punjab and foggy conditions throughout the plains”, added the meteorologist at Skymet.
Photo by windsorstar.