Delhi witnessed its first encounter with single-digit temperatures this winter as the mercury dropped to 9.2°C, marking a significant shift from the relatively warmer days. This dip, attributed to the chill in northern states, is notable as it's the first time this season that the minimum temperature in the capital fell below 10°C.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Thursday's temperature of 9.2°C was more than a degree lower than the previous day's 10.6°C and two degrees below the normal range. This shift is a result of the cascading impact of cold winds from the northwest.
However, the Met department predicts a temporary halt to this decline as easterly winds, comparatively warmer and moisture-laden, are expected to replace the current northwesterly winds. Despite this respite, the IMD warns of possible rain in parts of Delhi on November 27 due to a western disturbance affecting the National Capital Region (NCR).
IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava explained that the drop in minimum temperature is common when northwesterly winds prevail across northern India. The forecast indicates that the minimum temperature should hover around 10°C over the next two days before a rise to 11°C on November 26 and 13°C by November 27, as winds shift.
The impact of the western disturbance on November 26 and 27 is expected to be more pronounced in Rajasthan, the western Himalayan region, and south Haryana. Cloud cover is anticipated in Delhi on November 26, with the likelihood of light rain on November 27.
Following the passage of the western disturbance, temperatures are expected to fall once again as northwesterly winds return on November 28. The end of the month may witness the minimum temperature dipping below 10°C.
Comparing this year's occurrence to previous years, the minimum temperature in November has historically fallen below 10°C on varying dates. Last year, it happened on November 18, and in 2020 on November 17. The earliest occurrence in the last decade was in 2014 on November 14, when the minimum temperature reached 9°C.
Looking at historical data, November temperatures in Delhi have been known to drop as low as 6.3°C, occurring in 2020 on November 23. Last year recorded the lowest minimum temperature in November at 7.3°C on the 29th, and in 2021, it was 9.2°C on November 24.
While the daytime temperature on Thursday remained around normal for this time of year at 26.7°C, the forecast suggests a temporary dip to 22°C on November 27 due to overcast skies and rain.
