Cold wave warning for Delhi, parts of north India from this week
New Delhi: Delhi is anticipated to undergo a significant decrease in temperatures this week, with forecasts indicating that the mercury may fall to as low as 6 degrees Celsius by December 10, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This temperature decline is expected to introduce cold wave conditions in the national capital and adjacent northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, with the cold spell likely to continue until December 14.
The temperature in Delhi dropped following light rain that occurred in various parts of the national capital on Sunday evening, attributed to a western disturbance affecting central Pakistan and its neighboring regions.
Latest updates on cold waves in Delhi and parts of north India
In its most recent forecast released on Sunday, the IMD also warned of a cold wave that is set to impact much of northern India starting Monday, December 9. Notably, Shimla experienced its first snowfall of the season on Sunday night, a rare occurrence in many decades.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted fog for Monday, with maximum and minimum temperatures anticipated to be around 27 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively. Furthermore, it is expected that the minimum temperature may fall to 6 degrees Celsius by December 10.
On Sunday evening, light rain was reported in various areas of Delhi, including Kota House, Akbar Road, and Pandara Park. The IMD also forecasted light to isolated rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR over the next two days, commencing Sunday.
According to IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, temperatures in Delhi-NCR are expected to decline after December 9. He noted that temperatures might rise in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR on December 8 and 9, but a decrease will follow, potentially leading to cold wave conditions. The cold wave is predicted to first affect Rajasthan, followed by Punjab and Haryana.
Cold wave conditions are anticipated in West Rajasthan from December 9 to December 14, while Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience similar conditions starting December 11, as stated in an IMD release.
In early December, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and its nearby tourist destinations witnessed the season’s first snowfall, prompting the hospitality sector to anticipate an influx of tourists. The IMD has also forecasted snowfall in the higher elevations of Shimla and Mandi districts, with light precipitation likely in isolated areas of the remaining districts.
Additionally, Delhi’s air quality has worsened, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday, recorded at 302 at 4 PM, according to ANI. Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR, reducing them to GRAP Stage II due to improved air quality. However, GRAP Stages II and I will remain in effect throughout the region.
