A severe cold wave has tightened its grip across northern India, with Delhi experiencing its coldest day of the season as the mercury plunged to 4.8 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted further drops, predicting a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius on Thursday. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a minimum of 4.9 degrees Celsius, highlighting the intense cold wave conditions sweeping the region.
The chill has extended beyond the capital, affecting Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and other northern states, while Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall on Wednesday, intensifying the winter weather.
The regional meteorological center in Delhi issued a forecast for Thursday, anticipating a "mainly clear sky with cold wave conditions at isolated places." It also warned of smog and mist in the morning and evening, with temperatures expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius (maximum) and 4 degrees Celsius (minimum).
According to a report by PTI, this December's early days have recorded minimum temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius for the first time in 14 years. IMD data reveals that the last comparable minimum temperature during this period was on December 6, 1987, when Delhi saw a record low of 4.1 degrees Celsius.
Cold Wave Forecast for Delhi
For December 12, the IMD predicts cold wave conditions at isolated places with predominant surface winds from the northwest, starting at less than 8 kmph in the morning and increasing to 16 kmph in the afternoon. Evening and night will likely see reduced wind speeds and persistent smog or mist.
For December 13, similar conditions are expected, with northwest winds gradually increasing to 10-12 kmph during the afternoon before easing in the evening. The city is likely to see mist or smog during both morning and night.
IMD's Cold Wave Warnings
The IMD forecasts that minimum temperatures in northwest and central India will remain consistent over the next four to five days, keeping the cold wave's grip firmly intact across the region.