The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast shallow fog for Saturday, with temperatures expected to range between a maximum of 26°C and a minimum of 10°C. November has been the warmest in the past five years, with the average maximum temperature recorded at 29.5°C, 1.1°C above the long-period average (LPA). This marks the warmest November since 2019.
The sharp drop in minimum temperatures began on November 25, when it was 14°C, and has steadily decreased due to strong cold northwesterly winds and clear skies at night. Temperatures fell to 11.9°C on November 26, 10.4°C on November 27, and 10.1°C on November 28, before dipping below 10°C for the first time this season on Friday.
IMD officials noted that while the current cold spell is typical for late November, the season has overall been warmer than usual due to a lack of significant rainfall and snowfall. A temporary rise in nighttime temperatures by 1-2°C is expected over the weekend, influenced by a western disturbance affecting northwest India. Another drop in temperatures is likely early next week as snowfall occurs in the northern hills.
October was also warmer than usual, with Delhi experiencing its hottest October since 1951. The average maximum temperature was 35.1°C, and the average minimum was 21.2°C, both nearly 2°C above normal. These figures are the highest since 1951 when the monthly maximum and minimum temperatures were 36.2°C and 22.3°C, respectively.
On Friday, the mercury dipped below 10°C for the first time this winter season, with Safdarjung recording a minimum temperature of 9.5°C, a notch below normal.