Cold wave abates, but could return by weekend

New Delhi, Jan 18: Cold wave sweeping the capital over the last two weeks abated today with with the mercury recording a sharp rise to 7.7 degree Celsius.

For the first time in the last more than two weeks, the minimum temperature rose to one degree above normal, giving some relief to people of Delhi from thesevere chill of the past weeks. Which saw the mercury plummeting to 2.6 Degree C, the second lowest in the last five years.

The next 24 hours could witness further abatement of the cold wave in Delhi with the weathermen forecasting a further rise in minimum temperatures to 9 Degree C. Meanwhile, visibility levels in Delhi continued to remain normal with no fog witnessed this morning.

The respite from chill could, however, be temporary with the weathermen forecasting A fall in night temperature again towards the weekend due to snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal from this evening and rainfall in Haryana during the next 24 hours under the influence of a fresh Western disturbance.

Infact, the minimum temperature is likely to dip to five degree C on Saturday and Sunday.

They have also forecast a return of foggy conditions in the capital from Saturday onwards.

The Met office have forecast a mainly clear sky in Delhi during the next 24 hours with slight fog or mist likely in the morning.

UNI