Residents of the national capital braced themselves against an intense chill on Sunday morning as temperatures plunged across the city, with some areas recording readings below 4 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow' alert for cold wave conditions, cautioning citizens about the severe weather.
Mercury Takes a Nosedive Across Delhi
The coldest spot in Delhi was Aya Nagar, where the mercury dipped to a biting 2.9 degrees Celsius. Not far behind, the Palam area recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Other parts of the city also experienced significant cold, with the Ridge area at 3.7°C and Lodhi Road at 4.6°C. The primary weather station for Delhi, Safdarjung, registered a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius.
IMD's Forecast and Alert Details
Interestingly, despite the severe cold felt by residents, the Safdarjung reading of 4.8°C was actually 2.6 degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year. Nevertheless, the IMD has maintained its warning due to the widespread low temperatures and expected conditions. The weather office predicts that both the maximum and minimum temperatures today will be about 1.6 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal.
What to Expect in the Coming Hours
The IMD's forecast for Delhi indicates a mainly clear sky but with cold wave conditions at isolated places. The morning hours are likely to see moderate fog at many places, with dense fog possible in some isolated areas. As for the temperature ranges, the maximum is expected to hover between 16°C to 18°C, while the minimum will likely remain in the range of 3°C to 5°C.
The combination of low temperatures and foggy conditions is advising commuters to exercise caution during early morning travel. The 'yellow' alert serves as a notice to be aware of the conditions, which can be particularly challenging for vulnerable populations and early-morning workers.
