Delhi Back To Single-Digit Minimum: Temperature Set To Rise On Weekend; No Rains Likely
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi begins February with dry conditions and single-digit night temperatures
- Minimum temperature at Safdarjung remains near normal but lower than yesterday
- No rainfall expected this week; only a slight chance early next week
- Strong surface winds to enhance the chill factor over the next few days
The month of February has started on a dry and cold note for Delhi. On expected lines, night temperatures have dropped yet again to single digits. The base station Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2°C, which is close to normal but lower by 1.2°C compared to yesterday. Similar temperatures are likely for the next two days, followed by a rise to double digits thereafter.
Minimum temperatures generally ease out in February. The national capital usually records the lowest minimum above 5°C. The mercury has dipped below 5°C only twice in the last two decades. Night temperatures plunged to 4.0°C on 9 February 2012 and again dipped to 4.6°C on 10 February 2014. The lowest-ever minimum temperature in February was 1.6°C, recorded on 9 February 1982.
The lowest minimum temperature has always remained in single digits, and the same trend is being observed this month as well. As per pentad normals, minimum temperatures hover around 8°–9°C at the start of the month and rise to 12°–13°C by the end. February is the rainiest winter month, with an average rainfall of 21.5 mm. However, rainfall variability during the month is quite large. Since 2010, February recorded zero rainfall in 2017, 2018, and 2023. In contrast, the month saw a deluge of 103.1 mm in February 2013.
Delhi is not likely to receive any rainfall this week. However, there is an outside chance of light rainfall at the beginning of next week. Surface winds are expected to remain strong over the next three days, increasing the chill factor during the evening, night, and early morning hours. Overall, improved weather conditions are expected during the remaining days of the week.
