In a climate twist, Delhi experienced its warmest December in six years with zero ‘cold wave’ days, as per India Meteorological Department data in 2023. However, the capital is now grappling with intense cold wave conditions in January, contrasting sharply with the recent warmth.
As the ‘core cold wave zone’ states, including Delhi, face steep fall temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, dense fog blankets the region. Authorities issue advisories in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, urging caution on roads and recommending the use of fog lights to enhance visibility.
The criteria for declaring a cold wave, including a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius or below for two consecutive days, are met across several northern states. Minimum temperatures in the past 24 hours range from 5-8°C in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Sikar in East Rajasthan reports the lowest minimum temperature at -0.5°C.
The India Meteorological Department predicts the persistence of dense to very dense fog in isolated pockets of northwest India for the next five days. Cold Day to Severe Cold Day conditions are expected in some parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi on the 11th & and 12th and in isolated pockets of Punjab from 13th to 15th January.
Tweeting updates, the India Meteorological Department notes that Cold Day conditions are likely to continue over Uttarakhand on the 11th and 12th, over West Rajasthan and UP on the 11th of January. Additionally, Cold wave to Severe Cold wave conditions are very likely to persist in isolated pockets of Rajasthan on the 11th and 12th, with cold wave conditions in isolated pockets on the 13th of January. Cold wave conditions are also expected in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana on the 11th and 12th of January.
This unexpected shift in weather patterns prompts a closer look at the contrast between Delhi’s warm December and the current numbing cold wave, highlighting the dynamic nature of India’s climate.