Unseasonal Cold Grips Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur; Delhi Breaks Records in November Chill

Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur: Large parts of India are experiencing an unusually cold spell as November progresses. The first fortnight of November has been significantly colder than normal, with minimum temperatures dropping across the northern plains, central India, and parts of Maharashtra. Cities like Pune, Nagpur, and Mumbai have recorded sharp declines in temperature, leaving residents surprised by the early onset of winter.

Delhi Records Lowest Temperatures in 11 Years

Delhi has witnessed a rare drop in minimum temperatures, falling below 10°C since November 15. On Monday, the city recorded its lowest temperature so far this season at 8.7°C, nearly 4°C below normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), national temperature anomaly maps for the first 18 days of November show that minimum temperatures across much of India are 2-3°C below average, with some regions experiencing a drop of 2-6°C.

Northwest Winds Drive Temperature Drop

Persistent northwest and northern winds have contributed to the fall in minimum temperatures across northern, central, and peninsular India. The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions may continue in eastern Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh, while parts of Maharashtra are also under the influence of this unseasonal chill.

Pune Hits Nine-Year Low

Pune recorded its coldest November morning in nine years. In Shivajinagar, the temperature dropped to 9.4°C, and in Pashan, it fell to 9°C. IMD scientist Naresh Kumar noted that the northwest winds have kept minimum temperatures consistently below normal across many regions of India, contributing to cold wave conditions in central and northern peninsular areas.

Extreme Cold in Kashmir

Even Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are experiencing temperatures well below the November average, with nights colder than usual for this time of the year. According to GP Sharma, President of Skymet Weather, this nationwide pattern is causing winter-like conditions much earlier than normal, with Maharashtra witnessing intense cold waves, where minimum temperatures have fallen into single digits, 5-8°C below normal.

Other Regions Affected

Apart from Maharashtra and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and eastern Rajasthan are also experiencing abnormally low minimum temperatures, with several cities seeing temperatures in the single digits and reports of localized cold wave conditions.

As India braces for continuing cold weather, residents are advised to take precautions, especially the elderly and children, as the early winter spell may persist in the coming days.