Delhi shivered on Wednesday as the national capital recorded its coldest December day in five years. The maximum temperature dropped to 14.2°C, 6.2 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 6.4°C. Dense fog and cold wave conditions are expected to persist, prompting meteorologists to warn residents to stay cautious.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said light rain is possible on New Year’s Day due to a cyclonic circulation over Punjab and Haryana. This could mark Delhi’s first rainfall of the season.
Delhi Faces Cold Wave and Dense Fog
Morning fog reduced visibility to just 50 metres at Safdarjung and Palam, affecting the daily commute. The IMD warned that dense fog may linger over Delhi and parts of North India for the next five days.
Air quality also remained a major concern. Delhi’s AQI hovered at 398, nearing the ‘severe’ category. Low wind speeds and poor dispersion worsened pollution in several areas.
Station-wise, Palam recorded a maximum of 13.6°C, Lodhi Road 13.4°C, Ridge 13.8°C, and Ayanagar 13.1°C. Minimum temperatures ranged between 6.8°C and 7.8°C across the city.
West Bengal: Sub-10 Temperatures and Chilly Mornings
Cold conditions gripped West Bengal, with Kolkata recording the season’s lowest minimum of 11°C, nearly three degrees below normal. The sub-Himalayan region saw even colder temperatures, with Darjeeling dipping to 3.4°C.
The IMD forecasts light rain or snow in Darjeeling over the next three days. North Bengal is expected to remain chilly for about a week, with foggy mornings continuing. South Bengal may see a gradual rise in temperatures.
Kashmir Witnesses Fresh Snowfall Amid Warmer-Than-Usual Winter
Higher reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Gurez, and parts of Kupwara and Baramulla, received fresh snowfall. Light to moderate rain or snow is forecast over the next 24 hours, with heavier snow in isolated areas.
Despite the snow, Kashmir is experiencing an unusually warm winter. Night temperatures remain 3–7 degrees above normal during Chilla-e-Kalan, the traditionally coldest phase of the season.
Jharkhand and Other States Brace for Fog
The IMD issued a yellow alert for dense fog across several districts of Jharkhand. Visibility could drop to 50–200 metres over the next two days. Gumla recorded the coldest temperature in the state at 3.9°C, while Ranchi saw a minimum of 7°C. North-westerly winds in the lower troposphere are driving the cold wave and fog.
North and East India to Continue Facing Cold Conditions
Dense to very dense fog is likely to persist in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Cold day conditions are expected in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain or snowfall is forecast over the western Himalayan region under the influence of an active western disturbance. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions and stay updated with weather advisories.
