Delhi residents anticipating the season’s chill may need to hold off for a bit longer as weather forecasts suggest no significant temperature drop until at least mid-November. With October nearing its end, Delhiites typically start to experience the onset of winter, accompanied by a drop in temperatures and a cool breeze. However, this year seems to be defying the usual trend, as unseasonably warm weather persists in the national capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a notable delay in winter’s arrival is expected across northern India, with Delhi seeing only minor fluctuations in temperature for the next couple of weeks. This shift could be attributed to multiple weather patterns and unusual atmospheric conditions, which have kept temperatures steady and even slightly warmer than usual.
Why Delhi’s Winter is Delayed
Experts suggest several factors contributing to this delayed onset of winter. Among them, an active Western Disturbance—a weather system that typically brings cool air and rainfall to the northern regions—is conspicuously absent this year. Instead, dry weather patterns have dominated, causing daytime temperatures to linger between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, higher than what Delhi usually experiences at this time of year. Additionally, persistent high-pressure zones over the northern plains have trapped heat, resulting in warmer-than-average nights as well. The lack of rainfall in October has also contributed to a lingering warmth, keeping the expected winter chill at bay.
IMD’s Predictions and Expectations
An IMD official explained that while minor dips may be observed during nighttime, substantial temperature reductions are unlikely until mid-November. The capital could see a slight cooling effect over the next few days, but these shifts will be gradual and not drastic. Residents hoping for relief from the warmth might notice nighttime temperatures occasionally slipping to around 20 degrees Celsius. The IMD emphasized that the arrival of winter will hinge on the activity of Western Disturbances. These disturbances usually result in temperature drops and even rainfall, marking the arrival of cold weather in the region. However, the department has hinted that this pattern might pick up by the second or third week of November, leading to a more noticeable dip in temperatures.
Pollution Adds to the Discomfort
Adding to Delhi’s climate concerns is the issue of pollution, which tends to worsen as winter approaches. The cool season is synonymous with increased pollution levels in Delhi, exacerbated by stubble burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. The city’s residents are now grappling with poor air quality, which is likely to deteriorate further in the coming weeks as wind speeds slow down, trapping pollutants over the city. Delhiites have voiced their concerns, noting that the combination of pollution and extended warmth makes outdoor activities uncomfortable. “It’s usually cool by this time, but this year it feels more like an extended summer,” said one Delhi resident, reflecting the collective frustration with the delay of winter and the added pollution woes.
A Season of Waiting
As November draws closer, the capital’s residents are left wondering when they’ll finally experience that crisp, refreshing winter air. Despite the delayed season, experts reassure that winter will eventually set in, though later than anticipated. Until then, Delhi’s residents can expect warm afternoons, cooler nights, and the inevitable challenges brought on by seasonal pollution. In the meantime, residents are advised to monitor air quality closely and take precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. While the winter chill is delayed, the season’s challenges have already begun.