On Thursday, daytime temperatures sharply declined across northern India, with Delhi marking its coldest October day in four years. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 25.4 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung weather station, which is approximately 5.6 degrees below the seasonal average. This drop in temperature coincided with heavy rainfall in the region, attributed to the weakening of the ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm, Arnab.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that maximum temperatures varied significantly, with Haryana’s Karnal recording a low of 20.6 degrees Celsius and Punjab’s Patiala reaching 27.4 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued ‘red’ and ‘orange’ alerts for thunderstorms across the Delhi-NCR region, Uttar Pradesh, and several northern states for the next two days.

In Delhi, dark clouds dominated the skyline throughout the day, and the city experienced trace amounts of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The last time temperatures fell this low in October was on October 8, 2022, when the maximum was recorded at 23.4 degrees Celsius.

Weather Warnings and Forecasts for Northern States

In Haryana and Punjab, maximum temperatures were reported to be several degrees below normal. Ambala recorded a maximum of 23.8 degrees Celsius, which is six degrees below the average, while Karnal’s temperature was noted at 20.6 degrees, nine degrees below normal. Other locations in Haryana, such as Narnaul and Rohtak, also reported significant drops in temperature.

In Punjab, Patiala’s maximum temperature was recorded at 27.4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal. Other cities including Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Pathankot also experienced lower temperatures. The Met Office in Lucknow has forecasted a further decrease in maximum temperatures by approximately 5-8 degrees Celsius across Uttar Pradesh on October 29 and 30.

Warnings have been issued for gusty winds and thunderstorms in various districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow and Unnao, with potential hailstorms expected in parts of western Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Following this period, rainfall activity is anticipated to diminish.

Impact of Cyclone Arnab on Surrounding Regions

Cyclone Arnab has reportedly weakened into a deep depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjacent south Odisha. As it continues to move northwards, it is expected to further weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Light rains were observed in Himachal Pradesh, with thunderstorms and lightning affecting several districts, prompting the local meteorological centre to issue a yellow warning.

In Rajasthan, a new western disturbance has altered weather patterns, leading to rain and strong winds in various regions. The Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall, along with isolated hailstorms, particularly in the northern parts of Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions. A temperature drop of 3-5 degrees Celsius is expected in the upcoming 24 hours.

In Jharkhand, Gudabanda in East Singhbhum district recorded the highest rainfall of 71.4 mm since Wednesday evening. Due to the cyclone’s impact, several districts, including Ranchi, have announced school closures on October 28 and 29. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, rain and strong winds have affected parts of the state as Cyclone Arnab remains centred over south Chhattisgarh.

In Odisha, rescue operations are underway as the Indian Coast Guard has begun airlifting stranded individuals from flood- and landslide-affected areas. The Odisha government has deployed 79 teams from various disaster response agencies to assist in rescue efforts, particularly in Ganjam district, which has been severely impacted.

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