The weather in Delhi is set to experience a significant drop in minimum temperatures on Friday, with the city bracing for cooler conditions under overcast skies.
On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Delhi reached 12.8°C, marking the highest of the month so far, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, the IMD forecasts that temperatures will fall to around 9°C on Friday.
In addition to the drop in temperature, Delhi and surrounding areas are expected to receive rainfall as western disturbances are projected to impact the region starting January 28. The potential for heavy rainfall is also anticipated on January 29 and 30, with the possibility of snow in the Himalayan region due to temperature drops in the higher altitudes.
Meanwhile, Mumbai experienced an unusually chilly day on Thursday, with temperatures about five degrees lower than the previous day. According to the IMD, the city is expected to warm up over the next two days, though another temperature dip is forecasted for the weekend.
For the broader region of northwest India, the IMD predicts a drop in minimum temperatures by 3-5°C until January 28, followed by a rise of the same magnitude in the subsequent days, with no significant changes anticipated thereafter.
Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected over the Western Himalayan Region on January 29 and 30, with hailstorms predicted in various areas including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Punjab and West Rajasthan on Friday. Dense fog is also expected in the morning hours over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and other regions, including Himachal Pradesh and parts of northeastern India, for the next 48 hours.
As February begins, the IMD forecasts that minimum temperatures will generally be normal to above normal in northwest, northeast, and southern Peninsular India, while central, eastern, and northern Peninsular India may experience temperatures slightly below normal.