With Temperatures Higher Than Normal, Has Winter Ended In Delhi? Maybe Not. Here's What IMD Says
The temperature in Delhi is likely to drop in the next few days before rising again before the month ends.
Delhi Weather Today: Despite some areas of Delhi NCR receiving rainfall during the night of January 22 and 23, the daytime temperature did not decrease. The Meteorological Department had issued a rain alert for Delhi from January 22 to 24, but its effect was not seen. The Meteorological Department has now stated that there are indications of a decrease in temperature in Delhi over the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi will see an average layer of fog on Friday. Dense fog may occur in some places. The maximum temperature in Delhi on Friday is expected to be 23°C, which is nearly 4°C above normal. The minimum temperature is likely to hover around 10°C, which is 3.5°C above normal. The fog will linger over Delhi until January 29.
There are indications of a decrease in temperature in Delhi from January 25 to 28. During this time, the minimum temperature could reach 7°C. On January 29, the maximum temperature is forecast to be 24 degrees and the minimum temperature 9°C. After that, the temperature could rise again.
Why Is Delhi Warm Suddenly?
The IMD has attributed the unseasonably warm weather in Delhi to a strong western disturbance. This season, Delhi witnessed its mildest peak winter period in nearly a decade, with no recorded 'cold day' or 'cold wave' conditions — something that hasn’t occurred since the 2017-18 winter. Nighttime temperatures also remained above the usual winter chill.
The peak winter period in Delhi, which typically runs from December 27 to January 20, is characterised by the season's lowest temperatures. During this time, the normal maximum temperature is below 20°C, and the minimum generally drops to under 7°C. However, this season saw unusually warmer nights, with the average minimum temperature recorded at 9°C — two degrees higher than normal and the warmest since the 2015-16 winter, reported news website ET.
Several factors contributed to the warm conditions. The absence of La Niña, which was expected to develop in December, played a major role in the weather remaining relatively warm. La Niña typically strengthens winter weather in northern India, but its absence has likely contributed to the warmer conditions.
Moreover, a shift in wind direction has prevented the usual northerly winds that typically bring cold air to the region. Instead, winds from the southwest, influenced by the Arabian Sea, have kept the extreme chill away.
Meanwhile, light rain occurred in many areas late Wednesday night. Delhi (Safdarjung) received 0.5 mm, Palam received drizzle, Lodi Road received 1.2 mm, Ridge received drizzle, Aya Nagar received 4.2 mm, Gurugram received 2 mm, Ghaziabad received 3 mm, Noida received 2 mm, Rajghat received 0.3 mm of rainfall.
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