Delhi shivers as mercury dips to 5.8°C, third lowest this season

Delhi, the National Capital Territory (NCT), frequently experiences significant temperature fluctuations, and the recent dip to 5.8°C at the Safdarjung observatory, 1.1 degrees Celsius below the seasonal normal, marks a notable cold spell. This event, being the third lowest minimum temperature of the current winter season, is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring feature of North Indian winters, driven by a confluence of geographical, meteorological, and increasingly, climatic factors.

**Background Context:** India's winter season, particularly in the northern plains, is characterized by cold temperatures, often exacerbated by specific weather phenomena. The primary driver for cold waves in North India, including Delhi, is the influence of 'Western Disturbances'. These are extra-tropical storm systems originating in the Mediterranean region that bring sudden winter rain and snow to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. After the passage of these disturbances, cold, dry winds from the snow-clad Himalayas descend into the plains, causing a sharp drop in mercury. Additionally, factors like a strong high-pressure system over the region, clear skies allowing for rapid radiative cooling at night, and sometimes, the global weather phenomenon La Niña (which typically brings colder-than-average winters to North India) contribute to these conditions. Delhi’s unique geographical position, relatively close to the Himalayas and surrounded by plains, makes it particularly susceptible to these cold northerly winds. The urban heat island effect, while generally making cities warmer, can sometimes be overridden by strong regional cold waves.

**What Happened:** The specific event detailed in the article refers to a recorded minimum temperature of 5.8°C at Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather station. This was 1.1°C below the normal for that time of year, indicating a significant deviation and classifying it as a cold day, bordering on a cold wave condition as defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The fact that it was the third lowest minimum temperature of the season underscores the severity and persistence of the cold spell.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** Several entities are directly or indirectly involved during such weather events. The **India Meteorological Department (IMD)** is the nodal agency responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing advisories regarding weather conditions, including cold waves. The **Delhi Government** and other **State Governments** in North India are crucial stakeholders, tasked with implementing cold wave action plans, providing temporary shelters for the homeless, distributing relief materials, and issuing public health advisories. **Healthcare providers** become critical as cold weather leads to an increase in respiratory illnesses, heart attacks, and hypothermia cases. **Farmers**, especially those cultivating Rabi crops (like wheat, mustard, and pulses), are significant stakeholders, as prolonged cold waves and frost can severely damage their yield. The **general public**, particularly vulnerable groups such as the homeless, elderly, and children, are directly impacted by the health risks and disruption to daily life. **Environmental agencies** like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) also play a role, as cold, still air often traps pollutants, exacerbating Delhi's chronic air quality issues.

**Why this Matters for India:** The significance of such cold spells extends across multiple dimensions. From a **public health** perspective, severe cold increases the risk of illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, and cardiovascular events, particularly among the vulnerable. It places immense strain on public health infrastructure. **Agriculture**, a cornerstone of India's economy, faces threats from frost, which can destroy standing crops, leading to economic losses for farmers and potentially impacting food security. The **economy** at large can be affected through reduced outdoor economic activity, increased energy demand for heating, and disruptions to transportation. **Governance and disaster management** capabilities are tested, highlighting the need for robust early warning systems and effective response mechanisms. Furthermore, the interplay between cold weather and **air pollution** is critical for Delhi; cold, calm winds trap particulate matter, leading to a sharp deterioration in air quality, posing severe long-term health risks.

**Historical Context:** While cold waves are a recurrent feature, there have been observed trends. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including both cold waves and heatwaves, are increasingly being linked to global climate change. Historical data from IMD shows variations in winter severity, but the need for better preparedness has grown over the decades. Past severe winters have often led to significant public health crises and agricultural losses, prompting the evolution of disaster management policies.

**Future Implications:** The observed cold dip, like other extreme weather events, underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and adaptation strategies. Future implications include the necessity for improved urban planning that considers extreme temperatures, better infrastructure for heating and shelter, and more sophisticated early warning systems. There is an increasing focus on the **National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)** and its missions, which aim to address climate change impacts, including extreme weather. For Delhi, specifically, this also means integrating cold wave preparedness with air pollution control strategies, as these phenomena often coincide and exacerbate each other.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:** The government's response to such events is guided by several legal and policy frameworks. The **Disaster Management Act, 2005**, provides the legal framework for disaster management in India, including the declaration of disasters and the establishment of National, State, and District Disaster Management Authorities. Cold waves, when severe, can be classified as a disaster, triggering the provisions of this act. **Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life and Personal Liberty)** has been interpreted by the judiciary to include the right to a healthy environment and protection from environmental hazards, indirectly placing an obligation on the state to protect citizens from extreme weather conditions. Public health and sanitation, which includes managing health crises arising from cold waves, falls under **Entry 6 of the State List** in the Seventh Schedule, empowering state governments to take necessary actions. The **National Disaster Management Policy** further outlines strategies for disaster risk reduction and response, encompassing preparedness for extreme weather events like cold waves.