New Delhi: Delhi remains under the grip of a cold wave, with temperatures plunging significantly below normal for the scond consecutive day on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning of moderate fog and cold wave conditions in isolated areas.

At Safdarjung, Delhi's base weather station, the minimum temperature dropped to 4.5 degrees Celsius, marking a four-degree departure from the normal. This temperature, recorded on December 12 as well, is the lowest minimum temperature for December in the past three years. Previously, the city recorded a lower minimum of 3.2 degrees Celsius on December 20, 2021.

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Pusa in west Delhi recorded the lowest temperature on Monday at 3.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Ayanagar in south Delhi at 4 degrees Celsius. "Both locations experienced cold wave conditions," an IMD official stated. Despite the dip in minimum temperatures, the maximum temperature reached 24.5 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal.

Weather Dynamics

Meteorologists attributed the sharp dip in temperature to clear skies, which resulted in radiational cooling during the night. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Meteorology, explained, "Clear skies on Sunday led to the significant drop in temperature. A weak western disturbance may slightly raise the temperature, but moisture and haziness persist due to slowed winds."

Forecast for the Week

The minimum temperature is expected to hover around 5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some areas likely experiencing cold wave conditions. The IMD warned, "Chilly winds may intensify the cold, posing a mild health risk for vulnerable groups like infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses."

By December 20, the minimum temperature may increase to around 7 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is predicted to remain steady at 24 degrees Celsius on Tuesday but dip to 22 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Fog and Visibility

On Monday, Delhi experienced shallow fog, reducing visibility to 800 meters. IMD predicts a further reduction in visibility over the next two days due to increased fog intensity.

Cold Wave Criteria

The IMD classifies a cold wave when the minimum temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius with a departure of 4.5 degrees or more below normal. It is also declared when the minimum temperature falls below 4 degrees Celsius.

Delhi residents are advised to take precautions and stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to combat the ongoing cold wave.