Delhi records coldest November morning in at least 14 years

Delhi recorded a minimum of 7.5 degrees Celsius on November 20 morning, the lowest minimum temperature in November in at least 14 years, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

The national capital also witnessed cold wave conditions, as the minimum temperature was less than 10 degrees Celsius and five notches below normal, according to Mahesh Palawat, an expert at Skymet Weather, a private forecasting agency.

For the plains, the IMD declares a cold wave when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below and is 4.5 notches less than normal for two consecutive days. According to the weather department, 7.4 degrees Celsius is Delhi's lowest minimum temperature in the month of November in at least 14 years.

Delhi had recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees Celsius in 2019, 10.5 degrees Celsius in 2018 and 7.6 degrees Celsius in 2017 in the month of November. The all-time record for the lowest minimum temperature in November is 3.9 degrees Celsius recorded on November 28, 1938.

Palawat said cold winds blowing from snow-laden western Himalayas have led to a dip in the mercury and a similar situation will continue till November 21.

A fresh Western Disturbance is approaching northwest India on November 23. It is likely to increase the minimum temperature by a few notches, he said.

The minimum temperature this month, barring on November 16, has remained 2-3 degree Celsius below normal in the absence of a cloud cover, according to IMD officials. Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground.

On November 19, the city recorded a minimum of 9.4 degrees Ceslius.