Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad experienced light rain early Wednesday morning, providing respite from the prevailing cold wave. This unexpected rainfall occurred just hours after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi had not witnessed any rainfall in January, a deviation from the usual pattern.

The rain contributed to a further drop in temperatures in the region, where severe cold conditions have persisted for several weeks. Dense fog has been affecting normal life in these areas.

The IMD had earlier predicted light rain in certain parts of Delhi. Notably, Delhi typically receives one to six days of rain in January over the last seven years, with a normal rainfall of 8.1 mm at the Safdarjung Observatory. However, with seven days remaining in January, the city had not seen any rain until this recent development.

Last year, Delhi received 20.4 mm of rain in January, surpassing the normal of 19.1 mm. In January 2022, the city experienced 88.2 mm of rain, well above the normal of 21.7 mm.

The cold wave has affected various parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Several trains faced delays, and the IMD has forecasted moderate fog in the National Capital until January 26, with foggy conditions expected on January 27 and 28.

Additionally, dense to very dense fog conditions are predicted in the mornings over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh until January 26. Earlier this week, shallow fog affected visibility in Jammu, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, causing disruptions in transportation and daily activities.