Cold Wave Warning for Delhi and North India, Shimla Sees First Snowfall of the Season

Delhi: Delhi is set to experience a sharp drop in temperatures starting this week, with a significant dip expected by December 10. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the mercury could fall to as low as 6°C in the capital. This sudden temperature drop is expected to bring cold wave conditions not just to Delhi but also to neighboring northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, with cold wave conditions likely to persist until December 14.

Key Weather Updates:
Cold Wave & Drop in Temperature: Following light rain on Sunday evening, temperatures in Delhi have already started to dip. The maximum and minimum temperatures for Monday are forecast to be around 27°C and 8°C, respectively. The minimum temperature is expected to drop further to 6°C by December 10.

Weather Conditions Across Northern India:

Cold wave is expected to affect West Rajasthan from December 9 to December 14, while Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Western Uttar Pradesh will start experiencing cold wave conditions from December 11.
Fog is expected in Delhi on Monday morning.

Shimla’s First Snowfall:
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, witnessed its season’s first snowfall on Sunday night, marking a significant weather event. This snowfall, in many decades, is being welcomed by the hospitality industry, which is anticipating an influx of tourists. Snowfall is also expected at higher altitudes of Shimla and Mandi districts, with light precipitation forecast in other parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Rain in Delhi:
On Sunday evening, several areas in Delhi, including Kota House, Akbar Road, and Pandara Park, experienced light rain. This rain was caused by a western disturbance over central Pakistan, influencing weather patterns across northern India.

Air Quality in Delhi:
Delhi’s air quality worsened over the weekend, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday. At 4 PM, the AQI was recorded at 302. The Supreme Court had earlier permitted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease the GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR, but GRAP Stage II and Stage I restrictions will remain in place due to ongoing air quality concerns.

Weather Forecast Summary:
Delhi’s Temperature:

Maximum: 27°C
Minimum: 8°C
By December 10: Minimum could dip to 6°C
Cold Wave Forecast:

Expected in West Rajasthan from December 9 to 14
Expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Western UP from December 11
Shimla’s First Snowfall:

The season’s first snowfall occurred on Sunday night, with predictions for more snow at higher reaches of Shimla and Mandi.
Air Quality:

AQI dropped to 302 (very poor category) in Delhi on Sunday.