Delhi temperature falls as first cold wave hits, IMD issues yellow alert

New Delhi: Delhi entered a severe cold spell in the opening week of January, experiencing its first cold wave of the year as temperatures dipped sharply across the capital. Tuesday emerged as one of the coldest days so far, with icy winds and persistently low temperatures making conditions harsh throughout the city.

Dense fog returned to several parts of Delhi during the morning hours, significantly reducing visibility. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility dropped to as low as 250 metres around 9 am, causing concerns for air and road travel. Although fog conditions eased later in the day, the chill continued despite clear skies and sunlight.

Weather officials said the cold conditions are being driven by icy winds and snowfall in the hill regions, pushing cold air into the northern plains. After sunset, temperatures dropped further, intensifying the cold across residential areas.

On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 15.7 degrees Celsius, which was 3.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature settled at 7.6 degrees Celsius, marginally above normal. Humidity levels remained high, ranging between 76 per cent and 100 per cent through the day.

According to the India Meteorological Department, cold wave conditions are likely to persist for the next two days. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 15 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could fall close to six degrees. A yellow alert has been issued to caution residents against prolonged exposure to cold conditions.

Among the coldest areas in the city, Palam recorded the lowest maximum temperature at 13 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees below normal. Lodhi Road followed, registering a maximum of 15.8 degrees Celsius, also significantly below the seasonal average. Both locations experienced cold wave conditions during the day.

The weather department defines a cold wave when temperatures fall between 4.5 and 6.5 degrees Celsius below the normal range, conditions that were met in parts of the capital on Tuesday.