IMD Delhi Weather Report: National Capital Records 2.9 Degrees Celsius

Delhi is in the grip of a sharp cold wave, with the national capital logging its coldest night in 13 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the minimum temperature at 2.9 degrees Celsius, and issued an orange alert as large parts of the city shivered.

This is the first cold wave spell of the season in Delhi, with temperatures sliding below 3 degrees Celsius at several weather stations. Ayanagar was the coldest location at 2.9 degrees Celsius, while Palam recorded 3.0 degrees Celsius, its lowest minimum in more than ten years, according to IMD data.

Delhi cold wave alerts and IMD forecast

At the Safdarjung Observatory, considered Delhi’s main reference point for weather, the minimum temperature was 4.8 degrees Celsius, around 2.6 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature was 18.8 degrees Celsius, also slightly below the seasonal average, indicating persistent daytime chill across the city.

The IMD has predicted that the cold wave over Delhi will continue for at least the next two days. An orange alert has been placed for January 12 and a yellow alert for January 13, with meteorologists warning that the cold conditions may strengthen further and cause more discomfort, even as Republic Day rehearsals carry on.

Minimum temperatures recorded on January 12 are shown below:

North India Delhi cold wave impact and Rajasthan conditions

The chill is affecting a much wider belt than Delhi alone, with severe cold wave conditions reported in parts of north India. Several areas in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand recorded sub-zero minimums, while many locations in Punjab and Haryana reported temperatures close to the freezing mark.

In Rajasthan, the IMD said cold to severe cold wave conditions were observed at a few places. Pratapgarh registered a minimum of minus 2 degrees Celsius, and Barmer fell to minus 1 degree Celsius, underlining how large parts of north-west India are dealing with very harsh nights.

The weather department also noted dense to very dense fog in sections of eastern Rajasthan, along with dense fog in some western districts. Such fog can reduce visibility for road and rail traffic, adding another challenge for residents already dealing with prolonged cold conditions.

Delhi and neighbouring states are therefore facing a long spell of intense winter weather, marked by very low night temperatures, persistent fog and repeated cold wave warnings, with forecasts showing little immediate relief for residents across the affected regions.