In a meteorological saga, Delhi finds itself enveloped in dense fog, enduring a persistent cold wave for the third consecutive day. The city witnessed “cold day” conditions, with temperatures plummeting seven degrees below normal on Thursday, followed by a five-degree dip on Friday. Saturday’s minimum temperature, two degrees above normal, offers marginal relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a continuation of “cold day” conditions, with potential respite from January 8 onward, marked by warmer winds and a chance of light rain on January 9 and 10.
Delhi’s air quality lingers in the “very poor” category, emphasizing the challenging atmospheric conditions. Notably, the city recorded its highest-ever peak power demand for winter on Friday, reaching 5,559 MW, surpassing the previous winter peak of 5,526 MW.
The IMD designates a day as ‘cold’ when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C or more below normal, accompanied by a minimum temperature below 10°C. Delhi experienced a ‘severe cold day’ on Thursday, with a maximum temperature of 12.5°C. Friday continued in the ‘cold day’ category with a maximum of 14.6°C, and Saturday’s forecast hints at a range of 15-16°C.
Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist at IMD, anticipates marginal relief from the biting cold as an approaching western disturbance brings warmer winds and the prospect of light rain on January 9. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality, though slightly improved, is expected to remain “very poor” until January 8, according to forecasts by the Early Warning System.
As the capital grapples with winter’s chill, stay tuned for updates on weather transitions and potential developments in Delhi’s atmospheric dynamics.
