The recent grey skies, misty mornings, and a distinct chill in the air have left Delhi residents wondering if winter has arrived early. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has made it clear that this is only a transitory situation and that warmer temperatures and clearer skies will soon return.
Why has Delhi been so cold and rainy?
The unexpected chill is a direct result of an unusually wet October. The city has already recorded 90 mm of rainfall this month, a figure nearly six times the normal average of 15.1 mm. This excessive rain, combined with a dip in daytime temperatures, has created a false impression of an early winter. The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 26.5°C, which is eight degrees below the seasonal norm.
What caused this unusual October weather?
Meteorologists attribute the conditions to a combination of specific weather phenomena. The primary reasons include local western disturbances and “high moisture feeding” from the Arabian Sea over Northwest India. Furthermore, the delayed withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the development of rain-bearing low-pressure systems have extended the wet spell. A depression over the Arabian Sea, a remnant of Cyclonic Storm Shakhti, also contributed to the widespread rainfall across North India.
Is this the official start of winter in Delhi?
No, this cool spell does not mark the beginning of winter. The current weather is characteristic of the autumn season, which is a transitional period between the monsoon and true winter. The line of monsoon withdrawal is still passing through parts of North India. The current weather is a transitory autumnal phase, while the true winter chill usually sets in Delhi in late November or early December.
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What is the weather forecast for Delhi now?
According to the IMD’s six-day forecast, Delhiites can expect a swift return to warmer weather. The skies are predicted to be mainly clear from October 9 to 14. During this period, the maximum temperature is likely to rise significantly, hovering between 33°C and 35°C. Additionally, the minimum temperature will rise to between 20°C and 22°C. This means that the current cold wave is over.
Other Major Cities Forecast:
- Lucknow: Sunny, clear (29°C)
- Chandigarh: Sunny day (28°C)
- Mumbai: Warm, clear skies (32°C)
- Pune: Pleasant weather (25°C)
- Ahmedabad: Sunny, warm (31°C)
- Bengaluru: Comfortable (29°C)
- Hyderabad: Clear weather (28°C)
- Chennai: Hot conditions (34°C)
- Kolkata: Moderate (28°C)
What about the weather in nearby cities?
The relief from the chill will be widespread across the National Capital Region (NCR). Up to October 14, cities like Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad are also expected to see mostly clear sky. This pattern shows that the weather is changing regionally, departing from the cloudy and rainy conditions that dominated the first week of the month.
Disclaimer: This weather forecast is based on information from the India Meteorological Department and is subject to change.
