New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) After a severe chill in the first fortnight of February, cool climes of spring seem to have arrived in Delhi with the mercury today rising to 9.8 degrees Celsius.

Continuing its upward movement since the weekend, the minimum temperature in Delhi rose to 9.8 degrees Celsius.

According to the Met office, the minimum temperature was normal for this time of the year, thus maintaining the relief from the severe chill of the past two weeks.

The maximum also rose to 25.8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.

The sharp rise in mercury heralds the onset of the spring season in the capital city, which precedes the arrival of summer.

In fact, weathermen have forecast a further rise in mercury in the coming days, indicating a goodbye to chill for Delhiites.

''The current meteorological analysis suggests that there is likely to be no significant change in minimum temperatures over northwest India during the next one to two days and rise thereafter,'' the Met office said.

They have also forecast a rise in minimum temperatures over Delhi and other parts of northwest India towards the weekend.

The Met office has forecast a mainly clear sky in Delhi during the next 24 hours with the likelihood of mist or shallow fog in the morning.

UNI AR SP RS1853