Safdarjung observatory, representative of Delhi NCR records the lowest temperature of the season so far. Quivery minimum temperature of 4.1°C is the lowest measured so far in this season. Sharp drop to 5°C below normal was on the predicted lines and amounts to cold wave conditions over Delhi set in rather early in the season. It is not observed even in the last decade or even more than the minimum temperature plunge below 5°C in the first fortnight of December. For 3 consecutive years, the minimum temperature did not drop below 5°C in the year 2015, 2016 & 2017. The lowest temperature was 5.0°C (20 December), 6.6°C (19 December) and 6.3°C (24 December) in these 3 years respectively.
The other observatories in Delhi area also hovered around 4°C this morning with Ayanagar recording 4°C, Lodhi Road 4.2°C and Jafarpur the lowest of all at 3.6°C. The minimum temperatures had dipped to a record low in the month of November and December also. The lowest of this season was witnessed earlier on 23rd Nov when the base observatory registered a minimum of 6.3°C.
The cold wave conditions are likely to persist and the minimum of less than 5°C will have another go through the week. Last week of December is known for trembling conditions on account of icy winds and low temperatures. Last 2 consecutive years the lowest temperature of 2.6°C and 2.4°C was recorded in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Delhiites can look forward to a bone-chilling Christmas and New Year Eve 2021.
