Cold Spell Continues in Delhi as IMD Flags Yellow Alert

Cold day conditions continued in parts of Delhi for the second straight day on Wednesday. Upper-level fog and cold northwesterly winds stopped daytime temperatures from rising. The maximum temperature settled at 16.7°C. This was slightly higher than Tuesday’s 15.7°C but still about two degrees below the seasonal normal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Palam and Lodhi Road recorded “cold day” conditions, similar to the previous day. The department has predicted a slight rise of around one degree in the maximum temperature on Thursday. However, it does not expect any major change in overall weather conditions. Due to this, the yellow alert issued earlier remains in force.

Meteorological officials observed shallow fog across the city on Wednesday morning. Visibility dropped to about 800 metres at Safdarjung and nearly 600 metres at Palam. Although surface-level fog remained light, fog persisted at higher atmospheric levels throughout the day. Cold northwesterly winds combined with this fog to weaken sunlight. As a result, daytime temperatures failed to rise significantly. Experts said that brief sunshine appeared in some areas, but it did not provide enough warmth.

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IMD Criteria for Cold Day and Severe Cold Day

The IMD defines a “cold day” as one when the minimum temperature falls below 10°C. The maximum temperature must also stay at least 4.5°C below normal. A “severe cold day” occurs when the maximum temperature drops 6.5°C or more below average. Both Palam and Lodhi Road met the cold day criteria. They recorded temperature departures of -4.8°C and -4.7°C, respectively.

The weather department has forecast moderate to dense fog in Delhi on Thursday. Upper-level fog is also expected to persist across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. On Wednesday, Palam recorded the lowest maximum temperature at 13.9°C. Ridge and Ayanagar followed at 15.9°C each. The minimum temperature stood at 8.6°C, which was two degrees below normal. This led to a narrow temperature difference of around 8°C.

Weather experts warned that cold conditions may intensify across north India until January 15. No western disturbance is expected during this period. Similar weather patterns are likely to continue. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh may see single-digit daytime temperatures. In Delhi, the maximum temperature may range between 12°C and 15°C. Minimum temperatures could stay between 3°C and 4°C, increasing the chill.

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