Cold Wave To Abate From Delhi: Rainfall Next Week Likely
Key Takeaways
- Delhi recorded three straight cold wave days with minimums between 3°C and 3.8°C.
- Large day–night temperature gap is making mornings harsh and afternoons pleasant.
- Northwesterly winds are driving intense cold across north Indian plains.
- A western disturbance from 16 Jan may bring snow to hills and light rain to Delhi.
Delhi has logged three consecutive cold wave days between 12th–14th Jan 2026. Base station Safdarjung recorded minimum temperatures of 3.2°C, 3°C and 3.8°C over the last three days. A temperature under 4°C amounts to cold wave conditions in the plains. These conditions, at best, may last for one more day and abate thereafter.
With bright sunshine, the day temperature rose further to go above normal. The maximum temperature was 21.6°C, about 2°C more than the average. The diurnal variation, the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature, was 18.6°C, which is considered very high at this time of the month. It is likely to remain above 16°C today. Absolutely clear nights are conducive for radiational cooling and lower the minimum to low single digits. The lowest temperature may rise marginally but is likely to stay under 5°C tomorrow morning.
Cold northwesterly winds, blowing down the slopes of mountains, are the main factors freezing northern plains. Yesterday, Ballowal Saunkri (Punjab) was the first station in the plains to record 0°C this season. Earlier, Bhatinda (Punjab), Hisar (Haryana) and Phalodi (Rajasthan) had recorded minimum temperatures close to 0.5°C. The cold sweep is likely to get reprieve, albeit temporarily, after 16th Jan 2026.
An active western disturbance is likely to approach the Western Himalayas on 16th Jan 2026. This will be the first system to have a typical induced cyclonic circulation over the plains. Together, the movement of these systems will get slowed and the change of weather conditions may persist week-long, between 16th and 23rd Jan 2026. The hilly states will have snowfall during this period and rainfall in the plains will follow. Delhi will remain on the outer periphery of the system. Yet, it will stand a chance to get light rainfall at the end of this week. Another wet spell may threaten the national capital around the Republic Day celebrations.
