Delhi Shivers: The Story of Its Coldest November in Half a Decade

Well, if you've been feeling that distinct chill in the air lately, especially during those early morning hours or late evenings, you're not imagining things. Delhi just wrapped up what turns out to be its chilliest November in a whopping five years! It's been quite a notable dip, truly making us bundle up more than usual for this time of year.

The official figures from the Safdarjung observatory, which is essentially the benchmark for the city's weather, confirm it: the average minimum temperature for November settled at a nippy 11.5 degrees Celsius. To put that into perspective, the last time we saw anything colder was back in November 2020, when the mercury dipped even further to an average of 10.2 degrees Celsius. Before that, 2017 and 2018 both saw slightly warmer averages of 12 degrees Celsius. So, this past month really stood out, feeling much colder than its typical November average of around 12.9 degrees Celsius.

So, what's behind this particularly biting start to winter? According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a key factor has been a series of prolonged western disturbances throughout November. These weather systems often bring a noticeable drop in temperatures, and when they stick around, they can really influence the overall monthly average. It’s a natural meteorological phenomenon, but its sustained presence definitely played a big role in keeping our city shivering.

And if you were hoping for a reprieve, well, brace yourselves. Forecasters are suggesting that December is also set to be quite chilly, with temperatures expected to fall even further. Now, this isn't just about grabbing an extra sweater; colder temperatures unfortunately have a direct impact on Delhi’s persistent air quality issues. You see, when the air is cold and dense, it tends to trap pollutants closer to the ground, meaning the Air Quality Index (AQI) is likely to hover in those 'very poor' to 'severe' categories. It’s a double whammy for residents.

So, whether you love the crispness of winter or dread the thought of more layers, one thing is clear: Delhi's weather is making headlines, and it’s a strong reminder that winter has well and truly arrived, bringing with it both invigorating cold and familiar environmental challenges. Keep those warm clothes handy, folks!