After experiencing a brief period of chilly conditions, Delhi witnessed a significant rise in temperature on Thursday as bright sunshine returned to the capital city. The sudden change in weather patterns brought relief to residents who had been grappling with cold wave conditions earlier in the week.
Temperature Records Show Notable Increase
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the maximum temperature settled at 23.6 degrees Celsius, which was three notches above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature recorded was 7.2 degrees Celsius, still hovering near the normal range for this time of year.
Meteorological officials attributed this temperature rise to the reduction in western disturbances that had been affecting the region. The relative humidity levels fluctuated between 100 percent in the morning and 57 percent during the afternoon, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Flight and Train Disruptions Due to Fog
The early morning hours presented challenges for travelers as dense fog enveloped parts of the city. At least 28 flights departing from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport experienced delays due to the reduced visibility conditions. Additionally, 22 incoming flights were delayed, causing inconvenience to numerous passengers.
Rail services also felt the impact of the weather conditions, with several trains running behind schedule. The Northern Railway authorities reported that the foggy conditions during early morning hours significantly affected operational efficiency, though services improved as the day progressed and visibility increased.
Weather Forecast and Future Predictions
According to the IMD's extended forecast, the weather conditions are expected to remain largely stable over the coming days. Friday is predicted to have generally cloudy skies with the possibility of very light rain or drizzle in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 23 and 8 degrees Celsius respectively.
The gradual warming trend comes as a relief after the capital experienced colder-than-usual conditions earlier in the week. Weather experts suggest that while temperatures may fluctuate slightly, no extreme cold wave conditions are expected in the immediate future. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins as winter conditions typically show variability during this transitional period.
