Weather patterns have been fluctuating unpredictably this year, swinging between harsh sunshine, heavy downpours, and unusual dry spells. However, the national capital witnessed a remarkably unusual weather shift on Sunday when temperatures dropped so drastically that residents had to turn off their air conditioners and pull out blankets from storage. Marking a rare climatic phenomenon, Sunday night turned out to be the coldest September night in Delhi over the past 25 years, creating a chilling atmosphere that felt more like the peak of December.
Safdarjung and Ridge Areas Witness Major Temperature Drops
According to data compiled by the India Meteorological Department, the night of Sunday, September 26, proved to be the second-coldest September night in 25 years as temperatures plummeted significantly below normal levels. At the Safdarjung observatory, the minimum temperature recorded during the night stood at 21 degrees Celsius, which was three degrees lower than the seasonal average. However, the drop was even more pronounced in the Ridge area, where the mercury plunged down to a chilly 16.8 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Variations Across Different Parts of the City
Data from the weather office indicated that the temperature drop varied across different pockets of the capital, with the Ridge station emerging as the coldest spot. The minimum temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius recorded there was seven degrees below normal, categorizing it significantly below the usual seasonal thresholds by the weather department. Meanwhile, the Palam observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius, while Mayur Vihar logged 19.5 degrees Celsius. Neighboring stations like Lodhi Road and Ayanagar recorded minimum temperatures of 21 and 21.2 degrees Celsius respectively, maintaining a cool grip across the metropolis.
Precipitation and Strong Winds Fuel the Chill
This sudden autumn chill was propelled by multiple meteorological factors acting in tandem. Saturday had already witnessed cooler conditions accompanied by rainfall across various areas. Safdarjung recorded 4.9 millimeters of precipitation, while the Ridge logged 6.8 millimeters, and certain areas in Noida experienced a heavier downpour of 26.5 millimeters. According to a weather department official, a low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh was drawing in moisture while a western disturbance remained active over northern India. This combination kept skies overcast and triggered rainfall across the national capital region.
Moisture and North-Easterly Winds Intensify Cold
The thick cloud cover shielded the city from daytime heat, while damp ground conditions and steady north-northeasterly winds further intensified the chill. On Saturday, winds at Palam touched speeds of up to 33 kilometers per hour, while speeds ranging between 20 and 25 kilometers per hour persisted throughout the day. Looking ahead at the forecast, the weather department indicated that Monday, September 28, will feature partially cloudy skies, though no further rainfall has been predicted for the day.
