New Delhi, November 29, 2025: Residents of Delhi experienced unusually chilly conditions this November, with the city recording its coldest month in five years, according to the latest data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The data reveals a significant dip in both average maximum and minimum temperatures compared to previous years, highlighting an intensified cold spell that has gripped the national capital during the post-monsoon season.

According to the IMD, the average maximum temperature in Delhi this November settled at 27.7 degrees Celsius, significantly lower than the 29.4 degrees recorded during the same month in 2024. This decrease of nearly 1.7 degrees Celsius over the previous year has been felt by residents, who reported cooler-than-normal days across the city. The lowest maximum temperature recorded during the month was 25.1 degrees Celsius, making daytime conditions unusually pleasant and providing some respite from the lingering heat of the early post-monsoon season.

Simultaneously, the monthly average minimum temperature plummeted to 11.5 degrees Celsius, marking a sharp fall from the 14.7 degrees Celsius recorded in November 2024. Comparing the trends over the past five years, the minimum temperature has been steadily hovering around the low teens, with November 2023 recording 12 degrees Celsius, 12.3 degrees in 2022, and 11.9 degrees in 2021. The IMD data suggests that the 2025 November minimum temperature represents a notable deviation, making it the coldest November since 2020.

Daily minimum temperatures in the city further reflected this downward trend. Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature this month at 8 degrees Celsius, the lowest in recent years. In contrast, the minimums during November 2024 and 2023 were 9.5 and 9.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. These figures underscore the intensity of the cold snap and the deviation from the norm, which has prompted residents to dust off heavier winter clothing earlier than usual.

Interestingly, November 2025 was marked by a complete absence of rainfall. The capital city did not record a single rainy day during the month, continuing the prolonged dry spell observed during the post-monsoon period. In comparison, November 2023 had two days of rainfall, highlighting the increasingly dry nature of late autumn in Delhi. The lack of precipitation, combined with clear skies, is a significant factor contributing to the plummeting night-time temperatures, as the absence of cloud cover allows for rapid radiational cooling during late evenings and early mornings.

On Saturday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above the monthly average, and a maximum of 26.5 degrees Celsius, marginally above the normal range for this time of year. The IMD has forecast fog conditions for Sunday, a common occurrence in Delhi during late November and December when low temperatures combine with high humidity and calm wind conditions. Fog in the city often leads to reduced visibility, affecting road traffic, flights, and train operations, and authorities typically issue early warnings to commuters.

Meteorologists attribute this year’s pronounced cold spell to a combination of factors, including a persistent western disturbance, clear skies, and a reduction in post-monsoon rainfall. Western disturbances, which are low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean region, are known to bring sudden winter rains and drops in temperature to North India. Although Delhi did not witness significant precipitation this November, the associated atmospheric changes have led to lower-than-normal temperatures.

The extended dry spell, coupled with a cold wave, has implications beyond mere discomfort for residents. Health authorities have advised citizens, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, to take precautions against sudden temperature drops. The combination of cold nights and dry air can exacerbate respiratory issues, trigger flu-like symptoms, and increase susceptibility to infections. Delhi hospitals have reportedly seen a rise in patients presenting with cough, cold, and flu symptoms, signaling the onset of the winter season earlier than usual.

The IMD’s forecast suggests that cold conditions are likely to persist into early December, with night-time temperatures remaining below average and early morning fog forming across various parts of the city. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious while commuting and to follow guidelines for exposure to cold, particularly when traveling during peak fog hours in the early morning.

Apart from health implications, the cold weather has also affected daily life and economic activities. Morning commuters have reported heavy fog disrupting visibility on highways and arterial roads, causing traffic slowdowns and minor delays in public transportation. Street vendors and daily wage earners have also expressed concerns, as the drop in temperature reduces footfall and the overall willingness of people to venture outdoors during chilly mornings.

Schools in Delhi have reportedly started taking precautions as well, including rescheduling outdoor activities, instructing children to wear adequate warm clothing, and maintaining indoor heating arrangements where possible. Many parents have expressed concern over the early onset of winter, particularly given the absence of rainfall and the resulting dryness, which can aggravate skin and respiratory problems among children.

Experts have highlighted that such cold November months, while not unprecedented, are becoming more noticeable in urban centers like Delhi, where urban heat islands typically moderate extreme temperature fluctuations. The city’s experience of a near-record low minimum temperature, combined with an unusually dry month, underscores the growing variability of weather patterns in the region, potentially influenced by larger climatic changes.

As the national capital transitions from post-monsoon to winter, residents are being advised to prepare for colder months ahead. Adequate clothing, nutritious diets, and precautions against respiratory infections are being recommended, alongside adherence to safety protocols during foggy conditions. The IMD has also urged citizens to monitor daily weather updates and plan travel accordingly, particularly in the early morning hours when temperature dips and fog formation are at their peak.

In conclusion, Delhi’s November 2025 has emerged as the coldest in the past five years, characterized by lower-than-normal day and night temperatures, a complete lack of rainfall, and the onset of foggy conditions. The combined impact of these weather events is being felt across public life, health, and transportation sectors. Meteorologists expect this pattern of cooler and drier conditions to continue into early December, signaling the early arrival of winter in the capital.

The IMD continues to monitor weather conditions closely and has advised residents to stay informed about potential cold-wave alerts, fog advisories, and health precautions. With the post-monsoon dry spell persisting and temperatures remaining below normal, Delhi is experiencing a marked shift in seasonal patterns, highlighting both the beauty and the challenges of winter in the metropolitan landscape.