From Delhi's deep chill to Mumbai's cool spell: Mapping India's unexpected November cold wave

Although a slight rise of about 1 degrees Celsius was observed over the past 24 hours, meteorologists confirm conditions remain "appreciably below normal." The IMD forecasts shallow to moderate fog for the region, with mainly clear skies that exacerbate the nightly temperature drop by allowing ground heat to escape rapidly.

A widespread regional freeze



The cold spell extends far beyond the capital, gripping much of the northern and western plains. The IMD reports that minimum temperatures across multiple regions, including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, have dipped 2 degrees Celsius to 6 degrees Celsius below normal.

Furthermore, the chill has spread decisively to other parts of the country in an unusual pattern. On Wednesday, Mumbai woke up to an unexpectedly cool morning, with the Santacruz observatory logging 16.2 degrees Celsius offered a brief taste of winter comfort. Official reports detailed cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in parts of central Maharashtra and western Madhya Pradesh.

Minimum temperatures have fallen sharply, by as much as five notches below normal, across a wide belt including Konkan and Goa, central Maharashtra, western Madhya Pradesh and isolated pockets of Saurashtra, Kutch, Vidarbha and Telangana.

Contrasting weather and a brief respite



As the north and west shiver, other parts of the country face distinctly different weather challenges. Eastern India, including all districts of West Bengal, is bracing for shallow to moderate fog until November 21, which will reduce visibility even as nights turn slightly warmer.

Meanwhile, southern states are preparing for a prolonged wet spell, with the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu until November 24 and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

The weather bureau indicates a brief warm-up is on the horizon for the north. Minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 2 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius over northwest and east India over the next four days before stabilising. However, this is expected to be a temporary relief rather than a definitive end to the early winter conditions.

The widespread and significant nature of this cold snap so early in the season points to a potent shift in weather patterns, setting the stage for a winter whose intensity and reach have taken the region by surprise.