Weather holds the key to preparations, rehearsal and the climax on D-day, 26th January. By virtue of being in the midst of harsh wintry conditions, the national capital gets exposed to freeze, fog, rain and clouds, occasionally dampening the spirits.
Weather gods have generally remained kind and except for visibility, the itinerary goes through without much hurdles. Fog and chill have remained the major deterrent for the masses, witnessing the grand annual event.
Since 2005, it has rained on 2 occasions on Republic Day. 26th Jan 2015 witnessed light rains on the occasion and also in 2017, an event observed passing showers during the parade moving past the saluting dais. Later on this day, it rained heavily to record 30mm of rainfall. Dense fog, making the flypast challenging, was observed in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2021.
Cold wave conditions have been rather rare in the past, as the minimum temperature remained above 4°C. The exception was last year when the lowest temperature dipped to 2.1°C on 26thJan morning. Also, in 2006 and 2008, the mercury plunged to 4.8°C and 4.1°C, respectively.
National capital is coming up for a wet spell lasting 3-4days, commencing tonight and linger on till 24thJan. Typical rainy days are expected on 22ndand 23rdJan, with rains and clouds playing hide and seek. Clearance is likely to start on 24thJan itself and consolidate on the subsequent 2 days.
Republic Day may witness harsh conditions with obscured sky and icy winds raising the chill factor. Morning may start with thick fog lowering visibility, outside operational requirements of fixed wing fleet. However, moderate breeze is going to shake the fog layer much before the fly past contingent reach IOP(operating point). The largest fly past contingent this year is expected to find favorable run down the Raj Path.