Even as Delhi is in the grip of severe cold wave conditions the National Capital has experienced the coldest day of this season on Wednesday with the minimum temperature being recorded at 4.4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung Observatory, the primary weather station here, had recorded the minimum temperature.
On Wednesday, Delhi (Ridge) reported a minimum temperature of 3.3 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal, the IMD said.
IMD Scientist Dr RK Jenamani said, “Cold wave persists in the city, today is the coldest day of this season. Today Safdarjung and INA recorded the lowest temp of 4.4 degrees Celsius. The temperature has been recorded as similar to the cold spell between December 25-27.”
“The cold condition will remain in the city for the next 24-48 hours due to the upcoming Western Disturbance (WD),” Jenamani said.
He said an orange alert has been issued for the next two days.
Early in the morning, the cold wave continued to grip the National Capital causing the temperature to dip in Delhi and adjoining areas.
People in the wee hours were seen huddled around bonfire.
Dense fog caused low visibility and therefore slow vehicular movement continued in different parts of the city.
Many trains were also running late due to the prevailing fog.
“Darbanga-New Delhi special, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam exp, Banaras-New Delhi Special, Sultanpur- Anand vihar exp, Ayodhya Cantt- Delhi Jn. Exp,” as per the Indian Railways among others were running late.
In a statement, the IMD said, dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to continue over North-West India during the next three-four days.
It said, “Cold wave conditions are likely to continue over northwest India during the next three days and the intensity will decrease thereafter.”
As per the IMD forecast, the minimum and maximum temperatures in January 2023 are most likely to remain below normal over many parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular, east, and northwest India.