Delhi Faces Colder Nights by Weekend Due to Western Disturbance
Delhi is expected to experience a drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over the weekend due to a western disturbance influencing northwest India. Night-time temperatures may fall below 15°C for the first time this season, with cloudy skies and reduced wind speeds midweek, followed by strong northwesterly winds from Friday. The cold winds may also worsen air quality by carrying stubble smoke from nearby states.
A western disturbance beginning Tuesday is forecast to bring colder nights to Delhi, dropping minimum temperatures by 2-3°C by the weekend, potentially taking the lows below 15°C for the first time this season. This disturbance will mostly affect mountainous areas with fresh snowfall and cause cold northwesterly winds to blow towards the plains from Friday night, leading to a sharp temperature dip. Recorded minimum temperatures so far peaked at 16.5°C on Tuesday, slightly above normal, with a predicted decline to between 13-15°C by Saturday. Daytime highs will also cool gradually, ranging approximately between 27-31°C during the week. Cloudy skies and light winds are expected on Wednesday and Thursday before winds strengthen from Friday onwards. The cold northwesterly winds typically carry smoke from crop stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, adversely affecting Delhi's air quality index, which saw slight improvement on Tuesday due to increased wind speed. Delhi’s environment department is intensifying dust control efforts in anticipation of the harsh winter conditions combined with pollution risks, aiming to better manage air quality during this crucial weather period.
