The minimum temperature has plunged in Delhi by about 3°C since yesterday bringing a fresh spell of cold wave. Base observatory Safdarjung recorded low of 4.3°C as against 7°C on Monday sneaking cold wave over most parts in the neighbourhood. Meteorological office at Lodhi Road was a shade lower to measure 4°C, the lowest among the sister observatories. This temperature is 3°C below the normal and qualifies for the national capital to be in the grip of cold wave.
The past record indicates that the coldest day for Delhi is invariably witnessed between Christmas (25th December) and Lohri (13th January). 01st January 2021 recorded the coldest day of this winter season for Delhi with minimum dipping to 1.1°C. This also happens to be a record low temperature of January. In the last one decade, 2.4°C was recorded on 01st January 2020, 3.2°C on 14th January 2017, and 1.9°C on 06th January 2013.
Lohri and Makar Sankranti on 13th January and 14th January 2021 is likely to experience severe cold wave with minimum temperature dropping further. This is going to be the coldest twin festival for Delhi for last 3 years. The lowest temperature on these 2 days in 2018, 2019 and 2020 were recorded more than 5°C. In 2017, minimum temperature on 13th & 14th January was 4.3°C and 3.2°C respectively. The temperature this year is expected to be a shade lower than these values and so become the coldest in the recent past.
Cold wave conditions are likely to persist till the weekend and marginally relieve thereafter. Borderline cold day conditions are also likely with maximum temperature ranging between 16 and 18°C. Dense fog will mark its presence in the morning hours and windy conditions are likely to increase the chill factor.