Delhi shivering at night, but yet to register a 'cold wave'

The Capital has not recorded a "cold wave" this winter a condition when the minimum temperature falls to 4.5 degrees Celsius (°C) or more below normal the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, attributing this to the dense layer of upper-level fog prevailing over the northern plains over two weeks.

Delhi recorded a minimum of 5.8°C and a maximum of 18.1°C as sunlight helped lift daytime temperatures slightly, but clearing skies also meant colder nights.

The minimum has not dropped below 5°C so far in January and the season's lowest of 4.9°C - the only time it dipped below 5°C this winter - was on December 15.

Delhi has, however, recorded three "cold days" this season, when the maximum has been 4.5°C or more below normal, leading to daytime chills.

According to weather officials, the dense fog has impeded sunlight from breaking through on most days, which has capped the maximum to under 20°C this year till Thursday.