Key Points
- Delhi recorded 9°C on November 15, the coldest November temperature since 2022, temperatures expected to range between 8-10°C minimum and 24-26°C maximum on November 17
- Cold wave conditions persisting in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, eastern and western Rajasthan through November 17-19
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh between November 16-22
- Minimum temperatures dropped 3-5°C below normal across Punjab, Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
- Shallow to moderate fog expected in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and northeast India during morning hours
- Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh experienced season’s first snowfall in higher reaches, with temperatures below 10°C recorded
New Delhi: The national capital Delhi recorded its coldest November morning in three years on November 15, with the minimum temperature plunging to 9°C, approximately 4.5 degrees below normal for this time of year. The India Meteorological Department reported that the Safdarjung weather station, Delhi’s primary observatory, logged 10.4°C, while Aya Nagar recorded an even lower 9.9°C, which is 5.6 notches below the normal temperature. On November 17, Delhi is expected to witness shallow fog during morning hours, with temperatures ranging between 8-10°C at night and 24-26°C during the day, creating severe cold conditions particularly in rural and suburban areas.
The weather department has predicted that cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of the capital over the next few days, with light winds from the northwest and northeast expected throughout the period. In comparison, Delhi’s lowest minimum temperature by November 10 in previous years was 9.5°C in 2024, 9.2°C in 2023, and 7.3°C in 2022, indicating this year’s cold spell is among the most severe in recent times.
Cold Wave Intensifies Across Central India
Severe cold wave conditions are gripping central India, with the India Meteorological Department issuing warnings for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand from November 17-19. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over West Madhya Pradesh, with night temperatures expected to dip 2-5°C below normal across the region. The meteorological department defines cold wave conditions in plains when the minimum temperature drops to 10°C or less and the actual temperature goes below normal by 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
Isolated pockets of eastern and western Rajasthan, central Maharashtra, and Vidarbha are also expected to experience cold wave conditions at different intervals between November 17 and 19. The sharp drop in minimum temperatures has been observed across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with many stations recording temperatures below 10°C. Residents across these regions have been advised to wear warm clothing and take necessary precautions as the cold intensifies during morning and evening hours.
Uttar Pradesh And Bihar Brace For Temperature Drop
Weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh have taken a significant turn, with minimum temperatures in many parts of the state being recorded several degrees below normal, creating cold wave-like conditions. The meteorological department predicts dry weather across the state on November 17, with light to moderate fog likely in some areas during morning hours. For the next three days, November 18, 19, and 20, dry weather is expected in both western and eastern parts of the state, with clear skies also anticipated on November 21 and 22.
In neighboring Bihar, temperatures are expected to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius from November 17, leading to severe cold conditions across the state. A cold wave is particularly expected in many districts of Seemanchal and Mithila regions, with the cold intensifying in Katihar, Purnia, Khagaria, Araria, and Kishanganj districts. Authorities have advised people to wear warm clothing as morning temperatures continue to dip, making daily commutes and outdoor activities challenging for residents.
Heavy Rainfall Batters South India
South India continues to experience intense rainfall activity, with the India Meteorological Department issuing heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe from November 16-22. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected at many places across these regions, with particularly intense rain predicted for November 17 and 18. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are also likely to experience similar weather conditions during this period.
On November 16, Tamil Nadu recorded 11 cm of rainfall, Kerala received 6-7 cm, and coastal Karnataka saw 9 cm of precipitation. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging between 12-20 cm, is anticipated in interior Kerala and south interior Tamil Nadu, with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph likely in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through November 20. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also set to receive heavy rainfall on November 18 and 19 as weather systems remain active over the Bay of Bengal.
The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging in urban areas, potentially disrupting traffic and causing minor damage to weaker structures. Residents have been advised to remain indoors, avoid travel if possible, and ensure children and pets are safely indoors, with any loose items like timber or debris secured to prevent accidents.
Temperature Table For Major Indian Cities
| City | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 26°C | 10°C |
| Mumbai | 31°C | 24°C |
| Kolkata | 29°C | 21°C |
| Chennai | 28°C | 26°C |
| Lucknow | 28°C | 14°C |
| Patna | 27°C | 16°C |
| Ranchi | 23°C | 11°C |
| Jaipur | 26°C | 13°C |
| Shimla | 21°C | 06°C |
Himalayan States Experience First Snowfall
The hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are experiencing the season’s first significant weather changes, with Kashmir receiving its first snowfall starting November 11, 2024. Light snowfall was observed in higher altitude regions like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and the upper areas of the Pir Panjal range, with snow accumulation ranging from 2-4 inches in most locations. The snowfall led to the temporary closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway and other vital routes in the higher reaches of the valley.
A significant drop in minimum temperatures has been recorded across several stations in Kashmir, with Srinagar experiencing cold, dry conditions and temperatures dipping to around 2°C in low-altitude areas. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has warned that minimum temperatures could fall further by 1-2°C at many stations over the next three days, with light rain and snow anticipated in higher reaches from late-night November 23.
In Uttarakhand, weather conditions remain dry with cold easing due to sunshine throughout the day, but the drop in minimum temperatures has increased the chill during mornings and evenings. Most plains, including Dehradun, are experiencing severe cold in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures ranging between 18-25°C during the day and dropping to 6-12°C at night. The meteorological department has indicated that similar weather conditions are likely to persist for the next few days across the Himalayan region.
Northeast India Expects Fog And Temperature Drop
Northeast India is expected to experience shallow to moderate fog during the week, with minimum temperatures remaining near normal across most parts of the region. Dense to very dense fog was observed in isolated pockets of Meghalaya and Tripura during late November 2024, affecting visibility and causing travel disruptions. The India Meteorological Department has advised travelers in the region to exercise caution during early morning hours when fog conditions are most severe.
Temperature patterns in the northeast are expected to remain relatively stable compared to other parts of northern India, though morning chill has intensified in several districts. The weather is likely to remain dry across most northeastern states, with clear skies anticipated during afternoon hours, providing some relief from the early morning cold.
Rajasthan And Madhya Pradesh Face Dual Weather Challenge
Temperatures in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are expected to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius during November 17-19, with cold wave conditions persisting in isolated pockets. Rain is predicted in some districts of Rajasthan, which will further intensify the cold and create challenging weather conditions for residents. The meteorological department has specifically warned about cold wave conditions in eastern and western Rajasthan at different intervals, with minimum temperatures dropping significantly below normal.
West Madhya Pradesh is likely to experience severe cold wave conditions, with the IMD forecasting cold wave conditions at isolated places through November 19. The combination of falling temperatures and potential rainfall in certain areas is expected to create uncomfortable conditions, particularly during night hours when temperatures dip to their lowest. Residents in these states have been advised to take adequate precautions and prepare for prolonged cold weather conditions.
