Capital shivers at 4.9 °C, cold wave to continue

Chilly winds on Wednesday marked the arrival of cold wave conditions in the national capital as Delhi recorded a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The minimum temperatures in early December have been recorded below 5°C for the first time in 14 years, it said.According to data, the lowest minimum temperature during this period was recorded on December 6, 1987, at 4.1 °C.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of similar cold wave conditions for the next two days. A cold wave occurs when the minimum temperature departures from the normal day temperature by 4.5 to 6.4 °C. Meanwhile, in Gurugram also recorded its lowest temperature of the season on Wednesday, with the mercury dropping to 6.2 °C — 1.6 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 21 °C which was 2.8 notches below normal. IMD has predicted a further drop in temperatures, issuing a ‘yellow alert' for cold waves from Dec 11 to Dec 15. (with inputs from PTI)