Delhi woke up to a piercing winter chill on Thursday morning as temperatures dipped sharply across the city, making it one of the coldest days of the season so far. Residents wrapped themselves in layers, lit small fires along roadsides, and delayed early morning routines as the cold tightened its grip on the national capital.
The drop in temperature marked a significant moment in this winter season, with weather conditions turning harsher after days of sustained cold. Streets appeared quieter than usual in the early hours, while shelters, tea stalls, and public spaces became gathering points for those seeking warmth.
This cold spell has not only affected daily life but has also raised concerns for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, elderly, and those working outdoors, as the city braces for continued cold day conditions.
Safdarjung Records Third Lowest Temperature This Winter
The mercury at the city’s base station, Safdarjung, dipped to 5.8 degrees Celsius, which is 1.1 degrees below the seasonal normal. This made it the third lowest minimum temperature recorded in Delhi during the current winter season, underlining the intensity of the cold wave sweeping through the region.
Weather experts noted that such temperatures are uncommon for early January and indicate persistent cold air movement over northern India. The sustained dip has resulted in prolonged cold mornings and evenings, with little relief expected during daytime hours.
The sharp fall in temperature has prompted people to take extra precautions, including using heaters, wearing thermal clothing, and limiting exposure during early morning and late-night hours.
Chilly Conditions Across Other Monitoring Stations
Cold conditions were not limited to Safdarjung alone. Among other monitoring stations in Delhi, Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, which was 1.7 degrees below normal, making it one of the coldest spots in the city on Thursday morning.
Lodhi Road reported a low of 6.1 degrees Celsius, while Ridge and Ayanagar both recorded minimum temperatures of 5.8 degrees Celsius. These readings collectively highlighted how widespread the cold conditions were across different parts of the capital.
The consistency of low temperatures across stations suggests that the cold wave is affecting the entire city uniformly, rather than being localized to specific pockets.
No Rainfall but Persistent Cold Winds
Despite the sharp drop in temperature, no rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m., according to weather data. Clear skies overnight allowed heat to escape more rapidly, contributing to the steep fall in minimum temperatures.
Cold northerly winds further intensified the chill, making the mornings feel colder than what thermometers indicated. The wind chill factor played a significant role in how residents experienced the weather conditions.
With dry weather continuing, authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious, especially during early mornings when visibility can also be affected by haze and shallow fog.
Comparing With Previous Coldest Days of the Season
The lowest minimum temperature of this winter season was recorded earlier on December 4 and 5, when the mercury dropped to 5.6 degrees Celsius. Close behind was December 1, when the minimum stood at 5.7 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday’s low of 5.8 degrees Celsius therefore ranks as the third lowest temperature recorded so far this winter, highlighting a pattern of recurring cold spells rather than an isolated dip.
This trend suggests that winter conditions are likely to remain harsh in the coming days, especially during night and early morning hours.
Cold Day Conditions Grip the Capital
Delhi recorded its first cold day of the year on January 6, when the maximum temperature plunged to 15.7 degrees Celsius, which was 3.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature that day settled at 7.6 degrees Celsius, further confirming cold day conditions.
The capital continued to reel under similar conditions on Wednesday, January 7, when the maximum temperature stood at 16.7 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees below normal, while the minimum dropped to 8.6 degrees Celsius.
Such conditions have resulted in longer cold spells throughout the day, with limited sunshine and subdued daytime warmth.
IMD Forecast Signals Continued Cold
The India Meteorological Department has indicated that cold day conditions may persist, with the maximum temperature on Thursday likely to hover around 15 degrees Celsius. This suggests that daytime relief from the cold may remain minimal.
According to IMD guidelines, cold day conditions are declared when the minimum temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature remains 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below the seasonal average.
With both parameters being met over consecutive days, Delhi is expected to remain under the grip of winter chill in the near term.
Impact on Daily Life and Vulnerable Groups
The intense cold has had a visible impact on daily life across the city. Morning walks have shortened, schoolchildren are bundled up in extra layers, and roadside vendors rely on small fires to keep warm.
For daily wage workers, delivery personnel, and traffic police, prolonged exposure to low temperatures poses health risks. Authorities have urged people to take preventive measures, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold winds.
Relief agencies and local administrations have also stepped up efforts to provide blankets and shelter to the homeless, who are most at risk during such cold spells.
Air Quality Remains a Concern Amid Cold Weather
Alongside the cold conditions, air quality in the city has remained in the very poor category, compounding health concerns for residents. Low temperatures and calm winds often trap pollutants closer to the ground, worsening air quality.
Doctors have advised people with respiratory issues to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels tend to peak.
The combination of biting cold and poor air quality has made this winter particularly challenging for many Delhi residents.
Winter Far From Over for Delhi
As January progresses, meteorologists caution that Delhi may experience more such cold mornings before winter begins to ease. Historical trends suggest that the coldest phase often extends through mid-January.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions, especially during early hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
For now, the national capital continues to shiver under an unforgiving winter, with the cold serving as a stark reminder of the season’s peak.
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