(Commonwealth_India) Delhi has been experiencing an unusual rise in daytime temperatures, with the mercury reaching 26 degrees Celsius this month, making it the warmest Republic Day in the capital in the past eight years. On January 26, the maximum temperature reached 23.7°C, two degrees above the normal for the time of year.
Historically, January temperatures in Delhi remain below 25°C, but this anomaly has drawn attention. In recent years, the city recorded its highest temperature on Republic Day, reaching 26.1°C in 2017. While Delhi has typically enjoyed cool mornings with minimum temperatures dipping below 10°C, recent conditions have seen the early morning temperatures consistently exceeding this threshold.
This deviation from the usual weather patterns has raised questions about the factors contributing to this warmth. Is it due to natural fluctuations, or is it the result of specific atmospheric conditions? One significant factor influencing the temperature increase is the presence of strong southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea. These winds, which have been blowing at speeds of around 15 kilometers per hour, are dry. Unlike the moisture-laden western disturbances, these winds lack the moisture that typically absorbs solar radiation, allowing more heat to reach the surface and raise temperatures.
Another contributing phenomenon is the adiabatic heating process. This occurs when air flows over two distinct geographical regions—the windward side (north of the Himalayas) and the leeward side (south of the Himalayas). On the windward side, moist air rises, cools, and precipitates as rain or snow. As the air descends on the leeward side, it undergoes adiabatic warming, losing moisture and resulting in drier, warmer conditions in northern India. This process is particularly prominent in areas south of the Himalayas, leading to warmer-than-usual temperatures in Delhi.
Western disturbances, which are significant weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region, also play a key role in temperature fluctuations across northern India. When active, these disturbances can cause temperature spikes in the plains, as they bring moisture and overcast conditions that trap heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the arrival of active western disturbances over northern India by January 29 and February 1. This is expected to bring overcast skies and potential rainfall, which could slightly moderate temperatures toward the end of the month. However, as spring approaches, we anticipate that Delhi’s temperatures will continue to rise in the coming days as the seasonal transition advances.
As the city experiences these unusual warm spells, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic and changing nature of Delhi’s climate. As the weather evolves in the coming weeks, residents should prepare for continued temperature fluctuations.
