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.