Delhi has stepped into November with an unexpected chill that has taken the city by surprise. A sudden drop in temperature to 9°C has marked the coldest November night in nearly three years, signalling that winter has arrived earlier than usual in the national capital.
Why the Sudden Temperature Drop?
Meteorologists attribute this sharp dip to a familiar winter pattern: clear skies and cold north-westerly winds. The absence of cloud cover allows daytime warmth to escape quickly after sunset, while icy winds descending from the Himalayas intensify the cooling process. The combination created perfect conditions for Delhi’s early winter night.
Some local pockets, including the Ridge, hovered close to cold-wave conditions. However, the India Meteorological Department has not yet declared an official cold wave, noting that the required criteria—two stations recording significantly below-normal temperatures for two consecutive days—has not been fully met.
How Cold Is This Compared to Previous Years?
The new low stands out when compared with recent Novembers. In 2022, Delhi experienced a 7.3°C minimum, but the years that followed saw temperatures staying comfortably above 9°C. This makes this year’s sudden drop especially notable, hinting at a potentially colder winter ahead.
Air Quality Adds to the City’s Discomfort
Even as residents pull out their woollens earlier than expected, the air remains thick with pollution. The city continues to battle very poor to severe air quality levels, creating a dense layer that traps cold air and pollutants near the surface.
This stagnant mix of smoke, fog, and dust has made mornings particularly harsh, with many residents reporting burning eyes, reduced visibility, and a biting chill as they step outside.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi?
Forecasts suggest that the mercury may fall even further, possibly reaching 8°C in the coming days. Foggy mornings are expected to become a more regular feature as winter settles in.
Whether this early cold marks the beginning of a prolonged winter or a short-lived dip remains to be seen. For now, Delhi’s winter has made a clear and early statement.
