New Delhi: Cold wave conditions were observed in some parts of Delhi for the second consecutive day on Monday as the minimum temperature saw a dip. India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday for moderate fog and cold wave conditions at isolated places.
The minimum temperature at Safdarjung, the city’s base station, dipped to 4.5 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal. The same minimum temperature was also reported on Dec 12, and this is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Dec in three years. Before this, a lower minimum temperature in Dec was recorded at 3.2 degrees Celsius on Dec 20, 2021.
At 3.5 degrees Celsius, Pusa in west Delhi was the coldest station on Monday, followed by Ayanagar in south Delhi at 4 degrees Celsius. “Both stations reeled under cold wave conditions,” said an IMD official. The maximum temperature, however, was 24.5 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. “The minimum temperature was below normal by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature was near normal at most places,” IMD stated.
Met officials said clear skies caused the minimum temperature to dip. Due to radiational cooling, the night was warm. Mahesh Palawat, vice-president at Skymet Meteorology, said, “Delhi recorded clear skies on Sunday, which caused the mercury to dip. Due to a feeble western disturbance, the temperature may rise marginally. Though the winds have slowed down, there is moisture and haziness.”
The minimum temperature is likely to stay around 5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday, and isolated areas may record cold wave conditions. “Chilly winds may aggravate the cold at times. The cold is tolerable but a mild health concern for vulnerable people, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic diseases,” stated IMD.
The minimum temperature may rise to 7 degrees Celsius by Dec 20. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 24 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and dip to 22 degrees on Wednesday. Delhi recorded shallow fog on Monday as the visibility reduced to 800 metres. It is likely to dip further over the next two days.
A cold wave is considered when the minimum temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius and the departure is 4.5 or more notches below normal. It is also declared when the minimum temperature is less than 4 degrees Celsius.
