IMD Predicts Sharp Temperature Drop in Delhi; Cold Wave Conditions to Grip North India

Delhi is bracing for a significant temperature drop this week, with the mercury expected to fall to as low as 6 degrees Celsius by December 10, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital and neighboring northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience cold wave conditions, which are expected to persist until December 14.

After light rain across various parts of Delhi on Sunday evening, including areas like Kota House, Akbar Road, and Pandara Park, temperatures in the city began to dip. The cold wave is being triggered by a western disturbance over central Pakistan and its surrounding areas.

The IMD forecasted fog for Monday, with maximum and minimum temperatures predicted to be around 27°C and 8°C, respectively. The minimum temperature is expected to drop further to 6°C by December 10.

In a rare occurrence, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, experienced the season’s first snowfall on Sunday night, marking an early start to the winter season. The snowfall was reported in higher altitudes of Shimla and Mandi districts, with light precipitation expected in other areas as well. This early snowfall is expected to boost tourism in the region.

The IMD also indicated that cold wave conditions would sweep across most of northern India from December 9, beginning with Rajasthan, and later extending to Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh by December 11. The cold wave is expected to last until December 14.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 302 in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday. Despite improvements earlier in the week, the air quality worsened again, signaling the ongoing challenges of pollution in the region.

The Supreme Court had recently allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR, lowering them to GRAP Stage II due to improved conditions. However, GRAP Stages II and I will remain in effect across the region.