Delhi saw an unusual episode of shallow fog on Thursday morning much to the bemusement of its residents, who are used to a less-happening, sultry weather this time of the year.
May has historically been the hottest month of the year in the city with a mean maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature on Thursday dropped to 15.8 degrees Celsius, making it the third coldest morning in May since 1901.
Delhi is experiencing an unexpected pattern with cloudy skies, sporadic rain, and cool weather, which officials attribute to back-to-back western disturbances affecting northwest India. Residents posted videos and pictures of fog blanketing the city’s skyline on social media.
“Fog on a May morning in Delhi. Never ever before have I experienced this in over 4 decades of living in this city. This is surreal!” a Twitter user said.
“Fog in Delhi on a summer morning! Same time last year, we were in a heat wave!” another person said.
Weather department officials said high moisture content in the air, calm winds and a significant difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures create conditions that are favourable for the formation of fog.
