Delhi Records 4.6°C, Coldest Morning This Season as Rain and Cold Wave Grip Capital

Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the winter season on Friday as the minimum temperature dropped sharply to 4.6 degrees Celsius, accompanied by light rainfall, dense fog and persistent cold wave conditions that intensified the winter chill across the national capital.

The temperature reading, recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, was 2.3 degrees below the seasonal average, marking the lowest minimum temperature this winter so far. Early morning drizzle and reduced visibility due to fog further contributed to the biting cold, making conditions particularly harsh for commuters and early risers.

Several weather stations across Delhi-NCR reported similarly low temperatures. Palam recorded a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius, around 1.5 degrees below normal, while Lodhi Road logged 5.2 degrees Celsius, marginally below average. The Ridge station reported 5.4 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar remained among the coldest pockets at 4.8 degrees Celsius, nearly 1.2 degrees below the seasonal norm.

Rainfall activity, though light, added to the discomfort. Safdarjung and Lodhi Road registered trace rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am, while Ayanagar recorded 0.8 mm of precipitation. Palam and the Ridge stations did not receive measurable rainfall during the same period.

The India Meteorological Department said intermittent drizzle may continue in parts of the city. Areas likely to witness light rain include Akshardham, Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road, RK Puram, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Tughlakabad, IGNOU, Ayanagar and Deramandi.

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, cold wave conditions are expected to persist over Delhi-NCR and adjoining regions of north and northwest India in the coming days. The maximum temperature in the capital is likely to remain subdued, hovering around 17 degrees Celsius, offering little relief from the prevailing cold.

Thursday had already set the tone for an intense cold spell, registering the third-coldest morning of the season at 5.8 degrees Celsius. Earlier, the second-lowest minimum was recorded on December 4 and 5 at 5.6 degrees Celsius, followed by December 1 at 5.7 degrees Celsius.

Delhi had witnessed its first cold day of the season on January 6, when the maximum temperature plunged to 15.7 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal. Cold day conditions continued on January 8 as well, with the maximum settling at 16.7 degrees Celsius.

As per IMD criteria, cold day conditions are declared when the maximum temperature remains 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal while the minimum stays under 10 degrees Celsius. Cold wave conditions are identified when the minimum temperature drops 4.5 degrees or more below the seasonal average.

Despite the rainfall, air quality deteriorated sharply, with Delhi’s Air Quality Index slipping into the ‘very poor’ category at 325, according to pollution monitoring data. Over two dozen stations reported very poor air quality, a decline from the previous day’s ‘poor’ levels.

The combination of cold wave conditions, rain, fog and worsening air quality has prompted authorities to advise residents to limit outdoor exposure, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.