New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) The maximum temperature dropped to 14 degrees Celsius in the capital Monday, the season’s lowest in the past five years, as chilly winds continued to make people shiver.
The maximum of 14 degrees is a good eight degrees below normal for this time of the season, while the minimum settled at 9.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.

The difference between the maximum and minimum was less than five degrees Celsius.

“The maximum temperature recorded Monday was the lowest in past five years. The temperature has dropped due to snow fall in the upper parts of the country,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official told IANS.

In 2009, the maximum temperature was lowest at 15 degrees Celsius, while in 2008 it was 20 degrees Celsius.

Until Monday morning, Delhi received 1.6 mm of rainfall.

“The heavy fog cover has lifted from Delhi and the visibility improved considerably to above 1,000 metres. This is mainly because of the rain yesterday.

“The fog will however return over the next few days,” the official said.

The maximum and minimum are expected to settle around 17 degrees and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Abhilasha Sharma, a student said: “It may not be foggy like yesterday or the day before, but the cold is biting. The icy winds literally pierces you, and I have to cover my face with a woollen scarf to shield myself from the cold.”