Nosediving of mercury levels has finally been arrested for the national capital. After having straight five days of under 4°C, at least the falling trend has been halted. On 11th Jan 2024, the minimum temperature recorded was 5.8°C, about 2°C below the normal. Thereafter, the mercury gradually slid from 3.9°C on 12th Jan to 3.3°C on 15th Jan. Today morning, Safdarjung observatory registered a minimum of 3.5°C, the second lowest of this season so far. Though marginal rise, but inadequate to raise the feel factor. Sting in the air remains and the chill shows no signs of let up. But yes, some solace that day the temperature rose to about 20°C for the 2nd consecutive day, yesterday.
As the temperature continues under 4°C, the cold wave conditions remain unabated for the region. After a brief respite yesterday, dense fog shrouded the capital and the entire NCR this morning. Nearly zero visibility was recorded to start the morning on an icy and foggy note. A thick layer of smog may clamp down the rise in the day temperature today. The thin sheets of clouds prevailing now will get shattered during the night, leading to the easy escape of radiation and consequent drop in the temperature.
Feeble western disturbance has arrived over the higher hills. Rain and snow are likely only in the elevated mountains above 15,000 feet. Lower ranges may not even witness clouds. The system will clear the region by late tomorrow and wait for yet another similar feature on 20th Jan. In the wake of the system, the minimum temperature will have a tendency to have a marginal drop and hover around 4°C, with slight fluctuation. Dense fog is expected to continue impacting rail, road and air traffic in the late night and morning hours.
No major relief is expected till mid-week next. No rains are likely for the next one week. Dry cold will remain the highlight for the entire region. There are early signs of a much-awaited active western disturbance around Republic Day. Hills and plains, both, may have the welcome wet spell. Confirmation is only possible after another 48 hours.
Image Credit: moneycontrol
