Foggy & Frigid: Delhi Grapples with Coldest January in 21 Years
Delhi, January 31, 2024
In a rare meteorological occurrence, Delhi weathered its coldest January in 21 years, with temperatures plummeting to levels not witnessed since 2003. The month was marked by a persistent chill, heavily foggy mornings, and a notable absence of sunlight. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, this January saw the mean maximum temperature at Safdarjung hitting 17.9 degrees Celsius, mirroring the frigid conditions experienced in 2015 and representing the lowest since 2003.
This dip in temperature is an unusual deviation from the normal maximum temperature of 20.1 degrees Celsius for January, as recorded over the past 33 years. Only three instances, including this year, have seen the mean maximum temperature dip below 18 degrees Celsius, the other two being 2015 and 2003.
The daytime temperature average for January 2024 settled at 17.9 degrees Celsius, marking a 2.2-degree departure from the norm. This aligns with the conditions observed in 2015, but the year 2003 experienced an even lower maximum temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius.
Foggy & Frigid: Delhi
Moreover, the nights were exceptionally cold this January, recording the lowest mean minimum temperature since 2013. With a mean minimum temperature of 6.43 degrees Celsius, the city witnessed five cold days and five cold waves, marking the highest number of extreme weather days in January in at least a decade. The month was further characterized by a persistent blanket of dense fog, enveloping the city for the majority of days.
The unusual cold spell in January follows an atypically warm December 2023, which was the warmest December in six years. The stark shift in temperatures caught many residents off guard, prompting adjustments to cope with the unexpected winter conditions.
Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist and head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at IMD, explained the meteorological dynamics that contributed to this extreme weather. He stated, “The first half of Jan was under the grip of a layer of fog and uplifted fog, resulting in cold day conditions and low day temperature.” The second week, however, saw the dissipation of the uplifted fog, ushering in north-westerly winds and clear skies. This, in turn, caused a substantial dip in the minimum temperature, leading to a five-day consecutive cold wave from Jan 12 to 16.
The city recorded a total of 10 extreme weather events, comprising five “cold days” and an equal number of cold wave days, marking the highest frequency of such occurrences in January in at least 12 years. Isolated parts of Delhi experienced cold day conditions for nearly 10 days.
As Delhi bids farewell to this unusually cold January, meteorologists and residents alike are contemplating the unpredictability of weather patterns in an era of climate change. The city, having navigated contrasting temperature extremes within a short span, underscores the need for heightened climate resilience and preparedness.
