Cold wave hits Delhi, early Dec temp dips to 14-year low of 4.9 deg C: IMD

FRESH SNOWFALL IN KASHMIR

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NEW DELHI: Chilly winds swept through Delhi on Wednesday, marking the onset of cold wave conditions as the minimum temperature plunged to 4.9 degrees Celsius, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.

This is the lowest temperature recorded in early December in 14 years, with the IMD issuing a yellow alert for the next two days.

The last time the capital experienced such a cold early December was in 1987 when the mercury dipped to 4.1 degrees Celsius on December 6. This year's sharp drop comes after a gap of two years without any cold wave days in December.

Wednesday's minimum temperature was recorded at 4.9 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches below normal, compared to 8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Cold wave conditions are declared when the minimum temperature falls 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal. A "severe cold wave" is classified when the departure exceeds 6.4 degrees Celsius.