Delhi, known for its extreme weather fluctuations, has recently experienced an unusually sharp dip in temperatures, logging its coldest November in the last five years. This significant meteorological event has caught the attention of residents and experts alike, signaling a potentially harsher winter ahead for the National Capital Region. The shift underscores complex atmospheric patterns influencing weather across North India.
A Chilling November Trend Confirmed by Data
The data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) paints a clear picture of this unprecedented chill. According to IMD records, the average minimum temperature for November settled at 10.2 degrees Celsius. This figure is starkly lower than the average of 11.8 degrees Celsius recorded last year and significantly below the typical November average. While not breaking all-time records – November 2017 saw an average minimum of 9.6 degrees Celsius – it marks a distinct cold snap that Delhiites haven’t experienced in half a decade.
Throughout the month, several days witnessed minimum temperatures plummeting below the 10-degree mark, with some mornings recording as low as 6.3 degrees Celsius, making morning commutes and outdoor activities particularly challenging. The consistent chill, rather than isolated cold days, has been the defining characteristic of this November, leading to a noticeable increase in the use of winter attire and heating appliances much earlier than usual.
Factors Behind the Dip
Meteorological experts attribute Delhi’s unusual November cold to a confluence of atmospheric phenomena. Primarily, the influence of Western Disturbances (WDs), crucial weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region that bring rain and snow to the northern Himalayas, played a significant role. This year, the frequency and intensity of WDs impacting the plains have been different.
The Role of Western Disturbances and Clear Skies
“One of the primary reasons for Delhi experiencing a colder November has been the relatively fewer and weaker Western Disturbances affecting the North Indian plains. When WDs are strong, they often bring cloud cover which traps heat, leading to milder nights. A lack of such disturbances means clear skies, allowing for rapid radiation of heat from the earth’s surface into the atmosphere, leading to sharp temperature drops after sunset,” explained Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at IMD, in a recent statement to local media.
Furthermore, the prevalence of northerly and northwesterly winds, carrying cold air from the snow-clad Himalayas, has been a consistent feature. With clear skies providing unobstructed pathways, these icy winds have been able to sweep across the plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, contributing significantly to the drop in mercury. Reduced cloud cover also means more sunshine during the day, which warms the ground, but this heat rapidly dissipates into the clear night sky, exacerbating the nocturnal chill.
Impact and Outlook for the Winter Months
The unseasonably cold November has had immediate impacts on daily life in Delhi. Vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless and daily wage earners, have been grappling with the intense cold. Shelters have seen increased occupancy, and charitable organizations have ramped up efforts to distribute blankets and warm clothing. For the average Delhiite, the early onset of severe cold has meant adjusting routines, with many opting for indoor activities and relying heavily on electric heaters and gas geysers.
Looking ahead, meteorologists suggest that this colder-than-average November could be an indicator of a more intense winter season for Delhi. While it’s premature to predict the entire winter, the atmospheric conditions that led to this cold snap could persist or evolve into patterns that maintain lower temperatures through December and January. Residents are advised to stay prepared for what could be a memorable winter, emphasizing the need for warm clothing, proper heating, and precautions against cold-related health issues.
As Delhi braces for the full swing of winter, the records from November serve as a stark reminder of the dynamic nature of its climate and the increasing importance of understanding and adapting to changing weather patterns.
