Delhi Records Coldest Republic Day in Five Years; Light Rain Likely to Bring Relief

Delhi experienced its coldest Republic Day in the last five years on Monday, as temperatures dipped sharply across the national capital and adjoining areas. Several parts of the city witnessed minimum temperatures close to freezing levels, while weather officials attributed the sudden chill to clear skies and persistent cold winds from the northwest over the weekend.

According to official weather data, isolated pockets of Delhi recorded minimum temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius, marking rare coldwave conditions for late January. The last time the capital experienced similar cold on Republic Day was in 2021. Safdarjung, considered the representative weather station for Delhi, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees Celsius, around four degrees below the seasonal average.

Other areas reported even lower readings. Ayanagar in southwest Delhi saw the mercury drop to 3.6 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal levels, while the Ridge area in north Delhi recorded a minimum of 5.3 degrees Celsius. Weather experts noted that at least two monitoring stations in the city met the criteria for a coldwave, as defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Weather System Behind Temperature Drop

Meteorological officials explained that the sharp fall in temperatures was primarily due to clear night skies and strong northwesterly winds that allowed rapid cooling. However, the weather pattern is expected to change with the approach of a western disturbance over north India.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for Tuesday, forecasting one to two spells of light rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. Wind speeds may reach up to 40 kilometres per hour during brief periods. The incoming system is also expected to bring snowfall to higher Himalayan regions, influencing weather conditions across the plains.

Experts noted that as the western disturbance advances, wind direction is likely to shift from cold northwesterlies to relatively warmer easterly winds. This change usually results in a rise in minimum temperatures, even as daytime temperatures may remain subdued due to cloud cover.

Frost Reported in NCR Suburbs

Cold conditions were not limited to Delhi alone. Parts of the NCR, including Gurugram and surrounding outskirts, experienced similar weather, with some areas reporting ground frost during early morning hours. Residents in select localities of south Delhi also observed frost accumulation on vehicles and vegetation, indicating the intensity of the cold spell.

In Gurugram, the minimum temperature was recorded at around 4.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal for this time of year. While official minimum temperature data for Noida and Ghaziabad was not immediately available, weather observers indicated that conditions across the region remained unusually cold.

Air Quality Deteriorates After Brief Improvement

Alongside the cold weather, Delhi’s air quality saw a noticeable decline. After enjoying a rare two-day stretch of “moderate” air quality earlier in January, pollution levels rose again on Monday. The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) moved into the “poor” category by evening.

Environmental monitoring agencies noted that calm conditions and reduced wind movement during the day contributed to the accumulation of pollutants. However, the expected rainfall and gusty winds may provide temporary relief by dispersing particulate matter and washing pollutants out of the atmosphere.

Forecasts by air quality monitoring authorities suggest that pollution levels are likely to improve following rainfall, with AQI expected to return to the “moderate” range for a brief period. A gradual deterioration is anticipated later in the week as weather conditions stabilise.

Temperature Outlook for the Coming Days

On Monday, Delhi’s maximum temperature stood at around 23 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, reflecting the contrast between chilly mornings and relatively warmer afternoons. Weather officials expect the minimum temperature to rise to between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the maximum is likely to remain between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius due to cloud cover.

Meteorologists cautioned that the respite may be short-lived. Fresh snowfall in the Himalayan region associated with the western disturbance could once again lower temperatures across the northern plains towards the end of the week, especially if cold winds resume.

Advisory for Residents

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during early morning and late-night hours, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. Commuters are also urged to stay updated on weather advisories, as light rain and gusty winds may affect traffic conditions and flight operations.

As winter continues to assert its presence in late January, Delhiites are bracing for fluctuating temperatures, intermittent rainfall, and changing air quality, all influenced by shifting weather systems over northern India.