Current Weather Snapshot
Residents of Delhi and its adjacent regions are once again greeted by a warm start to their day, with the mercury hovering around 12 degrees Celsius for
the minimum temperature. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the skies may be partly cloudy with some morning mist, but the daytime is expected to remain decidedly warm. Forecasters predict that the maximum temperatures will likely range between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while the minimums are expected to be between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are noted to be near the usual averages for this time of year. The prevailing wind is predominantly from the south, with speeds around 5 kmph in the early hours, contributing to the current mild conditions. This follows a recent period where Monday marked Delhi's warmest day in February thus far, with the maximum temperature reaching 26.7 degrees Celsius, a notable 3.4 degrees above the seasonal norm.
Reasons for Warmth
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather sheds light on the current elevated temperatures, attributing them primarily to a shift in the wind direction. Currently, the winds are blowing from the southeastern parts of the country, carrying warmer air masses. Additionally, a reduction in wind speed has contributed to trapping this warmth, leading to higher readings on the thermometer. This phenomenon explains why Delhi experienced its warmest February day recently, with temperatures significantly exceeding the typical average for this period. The confluence of these factors has created a microclimate that feels warmer than expected for this season, impacting the daily weather patterns across the National Capital Region.
Anticipating Cooler Days
The good news for those seeking a respite from the warmth is that a marginal dip in temperatures is on the horizon. Experts predict that over the next two to three days, the maximum temperatures are likely to settle within the range of 25 to 26 degrees Celsius. This slight decrease is attributed to an impending change in wind patterns, with northwesterly winds expected to take over. These winds, originating from the western Himalayas, are characteristically colder and are poised to influence the region's climate. By the end of this short period, temperatures could potentially drop to around 24 degrees Celsius or even slightly lower, signaling a return to more seasonable conditions as these cooler air masses begin to dominate the weather system. The IMD also forecasts that February, in general, will see both minimum and maximum temperatures remaining above normal, suggesting a less intense winter overall and a quicker transition towards spring.
