5.7°C: Dec off to a chilly start

Delhi’s December started ona biting note on Monday as temperatures plunged to 5,7°C, five degrees below normal for this time of year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the chill is expected to persist, with the possibility of coldwave conditions in parts of the Capital until at least December 5.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok and Jayashree Nandi

‘Monday's minimum was not only the lowest so far this season but the lowest recorded in the first week of December in at least 14 years, as per IMD data since 2011.

Forecasts suggest a colder-than-usual winter ahead, with higher-than-normal coldwave days likely across central India and parts of northwest and northeast India. Officials said the polar vortex is expected to push temperatures further down in these regions. Between December and February, IMD expects one to four more coldwave days in the region than usual. Northwest India typically sees five to six coldwave days during this period.

A coldwave is declared when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C and is also 4.5°C or more below normal, with at least two stations meeting this criterion for two consecutive days.