The Hindu : New Delhi News : It’s official now

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

It’s official now

Staff Reporter

With 2.3 degrees C, cold wave hits Delhi

Photo: S.Subramanium

“Brrrrr….”: A family trying to keep itself warm in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Dispelling whatever remaining hopes of a warmer weather that Delhiites harboured, the cold on Monday hit back with a savage vengeance, tugging mercury to an abysmal 2.3 degrees Celsius and compelling the weatherman to declare an “official cold wave”.

The second lowest temperature recorded this season, Monday’s 2.3 degrees was several notches lower than the temperature normally recorded at this time of the year. The minimum temperatures for the past five years starting 2003 have been 13, 8, 12, 6 and 12 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to the Meteorological Department, the uncharacteristic return of the cold is due to heavy snowfall in the Shimla region, giving rise to icy winds. The Capital is likely to experience a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius over the next few days with “partly cloudy sky and cold winds during the daytime” being forecast.

Waking up to a painfully frigid morning on Monday, early birds had a tough time negotiating the bitter cold. “It took superhuman willpower to drag myself out of bed, get ready and then face the icy winds on my way to work,” said Neelam Malhotra, an employee with a MNC.

For some, though, the choice was easier to make. “I got up and started watching the India-Australia Test Match on television. I called in sick and decided to watch the series ender,” said a sheepish government employee on condition of anonymity. Government Publications Division employee Mohammed Akram said: “Schools should be closed to give respite to children who get up early and face the worst of the chill.”

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi