NEW DELHI: The city taped its third consecutive cold wave day on Wednesday and the 8th up until now this month, which is the greatest throughout January in 15 years and the second greatest in records going back 31 years, according to India Meteorological Department data.However, the cold wave is likely to ease off from Thursday, and the satisfied department has forecasted light rain or drizzle.On Wednesday, the minimum temperature level at Delhis base station Safdarjung was 2.6 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees below normal and 0.2 degrees greater than Tuesdays minimum.

The minimum temperature level settled at 2.2 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, 2.3 degrees Celsius at Ridge and 3.2 degrees Celsius at Aya Nagar-- all taping cold wave conditions.IMD data reveals that between 1992 and 2023, the optimum number of cold wave days in January were reported in 2008, at 12.

This year, January has actually experienced two spells of cold wave-- from January 5 to 9 and January 16 to 18.

The very first streak of five days was the longest in a decade.January 1997 and 1998 had actually seen 7 cold wave days each while 6 such days were seen in January 2021.

No cold wave day was recorded in January last year.The maximum temperature level at Safdarjung on Wednesday was 19.6 degrees Celsius.IMD states a cold wave when the minimum temperature is 4 or more notches listed below typical or when the minimum temperature is less than 4 degrees Celsius.

A extreme cold wave day is declared when the minimum temperature level is less than 2 degrees Celsius or it is 6.5 degrees or more listed below typical temperature level.

This January has already seen two severe cold wave days, the highest in 17 years.

January 2006 likewise tape-recorded two extreme cold wave days.

Minimum temperature level is anticipated to rise under the impact of a western disturbance.

According to IMDs forecast, the minimum temperature is likely to go up to five degrees Celsius on Thursday, with the possibility of extremely light rain or drizzle during the night.

It could increase further to 8 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Rise in minimum temperature levels by 3-5 ° C is likely over numerous parts of Delhi on Thursday and Friday due to a change in wind instructions.

No considerable change in temperature level is expected in the subsequent three days, stated a met official.A 2nd western disruption is expected to impact Delhi on January 23 and 24.

During this period, light rain or thundershowers are likely in the city.

Gusty winds are expected to blow in the area, stated a met official.Delhi weather condition: Rain - & hail likely in city next week