Here is some good news for those who were dismayed at the prospect of a less chilly winter this year due to the unusually high temperatures in the past few days. Delhiites can expect the chill befitting November in two days.
That apart, experts predict that this year's winter, although delayed by several days, will be as chilling, if not more, as last year's. So forget fretting over global warming and climate change.
Says Professor UC Mohanty of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT-Delhi: "The global and regional weather models prepared in the US and the UK this year suggest that Delhiites should brace for a good winter, if not better than that last year."
According to the Met office in Safdarjung, there is a huge gush of western disturbance, a rain-bearing weather phenomenon, fast approaching northern India to set the stage for the much-awaited winter.
Says senior meteorologist at IMD, RC Vashisht: "The western disturbance is likely to reach this part of the country by November 22. We expect that the temperatures will see a steady fall after that, ushering in proper winter."
According to Vashisht, once the western disturbance arrives, the chilling northern wind will enter the capital and cause a "significant" drop in the temperatures. "While it may not rain in Delhi, the effect will be felt here. So, winter-lovers need not worry anymore," he said.
{{/usCountry}}According to Vashisht, once the western disturbance arrives, the chilling northern wind will enter the capital and cause a "significant" drop in the temperatures. "While it may not rain in Delhi, the effect will be felt here. So, winter-lovers need not worry anymore," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Agreed Professor Mohanty: "The same phenomenon had occurred last month as well, when temperatures had soared unusually. But a slight drizzle caused by a similar western disturbance had made the weather slightly chilling," he said.
On Monday, minimum temperature in Delhi was 16.8 degree Celsius, which, according to the weatherman, is several degrees higher than normal. Even last year, the temperatures were much lower. For instance, on November 20 last year, Delhiites were out with the woolens thanks to a minimum temperature of 9 degree Celsius, which was a couple of degrees less than normal.
Vashisht said that western disturbance was to be blamed for this year's warm temperatures too. "By meteorological laws, temperatures are bound to rise prior to western disturbance because of the predominance of the warmer southern wind. That is why past few weeks have been so unusually warm," he said.
Email avishek.dastidar@hindustantimes.com