Delhi Records Lowest Early December Temperature Since 2011: Cold Wave Warning Issued

Delhi experienced an unusually chilly start to December, with strong north-westerly winds causing a significant temperature decrease. The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 5.7 degree Celsius on December 1, marking the coldest first week of December since 2011.

This early winter chill represents a notable deviation from typical patterns. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) historical data, early December temperatures generally range between 7 degree Celsius and 11 degree Celsius, with few exceptions like 2012 (6.5 degree Celsius) and 2017 (7.4 degree Celsius). In recent years, temperatures rarely dropped below 8 degree Celsius during this period.

The IMD predicts continued cold conditions, with potential cold wave occurrences in certain areas of the capital. This early temperature drop is particularly unusual because Delhi typically doesn't experience temperatures below 5 degree Celsius until after December 10. For comparison, last year's minimum reached 4.9 degree Celsius on December 11, while in 2023 it fell below 5 degree Celsius on December 15. In 2022, temperatures never dropped below 5 degree Celsius, though they reached 5 degree Celsius on December 25.

The record for Delhi's lowest December temperature remains 0 degree Celsius, recorded on December 27, 1930.

Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts normal to below-normal minimum temperatures across most of central and northwest India, as well as northern parts of the peninsular region.

Seasonal projections for December 2025 through February 2026 indicate that central India will experience normal to below-normal temperatures, while southern states and the Northeast are expected to have above-normal minimum temperatures. Even border regions of Rajasthan are anticipated to be warmer than usual.

Delhi is currently approaching cold wave criteria - defined as minimum temperatures below 10 degree Celsius and at least 4.5 degree Celsius lower than normal at two or more stations. The most recent December cold wave occurred in 2021, lasting four days.

The IMD's anomaly forecast suggests 2-5 additional cold wave days in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, while Rajasthan, Punjab, and the Northeast are projected to experience fewer cold wave days. This indicates a more intense winter in central India, with milder conditions expected in some northwestern and northeastern areas.