Delhi shivered again this morning when the temperature plummeted to 4.2°C. Base observatory at Safdarjung reported a steep fall of more than 3°C since yesterday and envelope of thick fog reducing visibility to 300mtr. Cold wave conditions make a come back with the temperature dropping below 5°C after a gap of one week. Prior to this, the same temperature of 4.2°C was recorded for Delhi on 15th January and thereafter with the rising trend it reached 8.6°C on 18th January.
The lowest temperature for Delhi of this season was 1.1°C on the first day of Jan 2021 and the 2nd lowest of 2°C on 14th January. Total of 5 days in this month have dropped below 5°C so far against the normal of 7°C. Sky obscured conditions have been prevailing during morning hours restricting vertical visibility. Strong winds also prevailed over Delhi for the last 3 days increasing the chill factor.
Twist in the weather conditions of Delhi very likely today onward for the next 3 days. Reversal of winds to Easterly will raise the minimum temperature by 3-4°C for the next 2 days and a drop again thereafter. An active western disturbance has arrived over North India and snow in the hills and rain in the plains will commence tomorrow. Delhi will remain outside the periphery of this weather system and not likely to receive any precipitation. However, the weather activity up north will change the conditions in Delhi too.
The national capital Delhi can expect thick fog and rise of temperature by 3-4°C over the next 48 hours. In the wake of western disturbance, cold air will sweep again the plains of North India and reach Delhi and beyond. Fog and chill will be the highlights of the week amidst celebrations of Republic Day. No rainfall is expected on this festive day and these conditions will last for the rest of days in January.