Delhi shivers through coldest October night as temperature dips to 17.1°C

Delhi experienced its coldest night of October so far, with temperatures plummeting to 17.1 degrees Celsius, signalling an early arrival of winter conditions in the region. The sharp dip marks a departure from typical October weather patterns in the capital, where mild nights are usually the norm during the festival season.

The India Meteorological Department has attributed the temperature drop to clear atmospheric conditions and reduced cloud cover over the city. Such conditions typically allow heat accumulated during the day to escape into the upper atmosphere more readily, resulting in cooler nights.

Looking ahead to the Dussehra festival period, the IMD has forecast continued clear weather across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region. The prediction of cloudless skies suggests that night temperatures may remain on the cooler side through the major Hindu festival, though daytime temperatures are expected to remain comparatively warm.

The early onset of cooler temperatures in October is not uncommon in Delhi, though the intensity this year has been notable. Residents are advised to adjust their clothing accordingly as the weather transition towards winter accelerates in the coming weeks.

Photo: A hazy winter morning at India Gate and the canopy on Kartavya Path, New Delhi, January 2017. RishabhSanta via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).