Cold Wave Abates From Delhi: Rainfall Likely Next Week
Key Takeaways
- Cold wave conditions in Delhi have ended, with minimums rising above 4°C.
- Cloud cover between 16th and 18th January will push night temperatures higher.
- A western disturbance around 20th January may bring rain to Delhi after 22nd January.
- Republic Day weather may turn unfavourable due to possible rain and cloudiness.
Cold wave conditions have finally relaxed over the national capital. Base observatory Safdarjung had earlier recorded minimum temperatures of under 4°C for four days, amounting to cold wave conditions, between 12th and 15th Jan 2026. The record repository has registered a low of 4.3°C this morning and put a stop to extreme cold. Isolated parts of the city like Jafarpur still remained below 4°C, but the minimum temperatures have generally risen to go past the threshold mark of 4°C. Pitampura recorded the highest of 8°C. The minimum temperatures are likely to ease out further over the weekend.
Under the influence of a strong westerly jet and an upper-air trough over North India, a sheet of clouds is likely to come up over the northern parts and extend to Delhi as well. The clouding will persist between 16th and 18th Jan and more prominently on 17th Jan. Under its impact, the night temperatures are likely to rise and the day maximum may drop by a couple of degrees. The minimum is expected to reach around 8°C on the weekend and a drop thereafter.
The capital city is unlikely to witness another wave of cold sweep before the Republic Day. An active western disturbance is likely to arrive over the mountains on 20th Jan. It will have an induced cyclonic circulation over the plains a little later. The snowfall activity over the hills will precede the spell of winter rains over the plains. Delhi stands a chance of decent rainfall between 22nd and 26th January. The showers will be intense in scale and space, both, between 24th and 26th Jan 2026.
Though it is a little early to say because of model limitations, the Republic Day festivities in the National Capital will remain at risk of getting subdued. Weather conditions may even impact the rehearsal activities on ‘Kartavya Path’ prior to the culmination. The forecast will be kept under review and amended, if need be, well before the event.
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