New Delhi: Delhi experiences a biting cold on Sunday as the city records its first cold wave of the season with minimum temperatures dropping to levels not seen over a decade. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas in the capital recorded temperatures below 3°C including Palam at 3°C and Ayanagar at 2.9°C.
The city’s principal weather observatory Safdarjung recorded a minimum of 3.2°C, 2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Other locations also felt the chill with the Ridge at 4.2°C, Palam at 3.3°C and Lodi Road at 3.0°C. IMD officials confirmed that cold wave conditions are likely to persist for the next two days with an orange alert issued for today and a yellow alert in place for tomorrow.
The current cold snap is the hardest Delhi has faced in 13 years. At Palam, the previous low of 2.6°C was recorded on January 7, 2013. Ayanagar which recorded the lowest temperature on Sunday was 4.2°C below the normal average. Residents reported feeling the intense chill across the city, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Dense morning fog has also reduced visibility, causing potential traffic disruptions. Doctors have urged vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and patients with respiratory issues to take precautions. It is adviced to wear warm clothes, limit unnecessary travel and pay careful attention to health during the period.
Forecast and advice
IMD explained that when minimum temperatures fall 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal, it is classified as a cold wave. The present readings confirm that large parts of Delhi are under this condition. The department expects temperatures to remain low until Tuesday and in some areas, they may fall further. The residents are advised to stay vigilant, especially during early mornings and nights as the cold wave continues to grip the city.
The capital is in for a frosty start to the week with Delhiites bracing themselves for more chilling mornings before the weather eases.