Delhi, Jan 08, 2026 – Residents of the national capital woke up to a chilly Thursday as icy northwesterly winds swept across the region, pushing the minimum temperature down to 5.8°C, a degree below the previous day’s 8.6°C. Adding to the discomfort, dense fog shrouded the city, affecting visibility and traffic movement, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category, continuing to pose health concerns.

The cold spell is part of a continuing winter pattern affecting the northern plains of India, where Delhi has seen persistently low temperatures and lingering fog over the past week. According to meteorological data, the maximum temperature on Thursday was expected to hover between 15 and 17°C, as upper-level fog prevented significant warming, while Palam recorded the day’s lowest temperature at 4.8°C.

For context, on December 4 and 5, 2025, Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s representative weather station, recorded the lowest minimum temperature of the season at 5.6°C. This indicates that the current cold wave, though severe, is slightly above the record lows witnessed earlier in the winter season.

Cold Day Conditions Continue

Wednesday had already seen cold day conditions in isolated pockets, with temperatures two degrees below normal at 16.7°C, marginally warmer than the previous day’s 15.7°C. Meteorologists define a “cold day” as a day when the minimum temperature falls below 10°C and deviates by at least 4.5°C from the seasonal average, while a “severe cold day” is when the maximum temperature is 6.5°C or more below normal. Both Palam and Lodhi Road weather stations met this criterion on Thursday, highlighting the intensity of the cold wave.

Fog and Reduced Visibility

The dense fog that has enveloped Delhi for consecutive days continues to reduce visibility significantly, affecting traffic and transport. At Palam, visibility dropped to 150 metres on Thursday morning, down from 600 metres on Wednesday, causing considerable disruptions to road and air traffic. Several flights experienced delays due to the low visibility, and commuters were advised to exercise caution while travelling on foggy roads.

Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather vice president Mahesh Palawat noted that consistent northwesterly winds and lingering fog were preventing temperatures from rising during the day. “While a few areas experienced intermittent sunshine, it was insufficient to counteract the chill and dense fog blanketing the city,” Palawat said.

The fog layers persist at upper levels, contributing to a stagnation of cold air close to the surface. This phenomenon, common during the peak winter months in Delhi, traps pollutants near the ground, aggravating air quality and prolonging the discomfort caused by low temperatures.

Air Quality Remains Poor

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continues to hover in the upper end of the poor category. On Thursday morning, a rolling 24-hour average AQI of 276 was recorded at 9 a.m., signalling potential health risks, especially for sensitive groups including children, elderly citizens, and individuals with respiratory ailments.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi cautioned that conditions could deteriorate further in the second half of the day, potentially reaching the ‘very poor’ category. Such air quality levels can cause breathing difficulties, aggravate chronic lung and heart diseases, and necessitate restrictions on outdoor activity for vulnerable populations.

Experts attribute the poor air quality to a combination of persistent fog, low wind speeds, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and biomass burning in nearby states. The layering effect of the fog traps these pollutants, preventing their dispersion and resulting in prolonged exposure to harmful air contaminants.

Impact on Daily Life

The intensely cold conditions and dense fog have affected daily life across the capital. Commuters face delays due to limited visibility on roads and at airports, while schools and offices have seen a slight drop in attendance as residents try to avoid exposure to the chill.

Transport authorities have urged motorists to drive cautiously, use fog lamps, and maintain safe distances due to the poor visibility. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport have been affected, with several early morning departures and arrivals delayed or rescheduled.

Health experts have also advised residents to layer clothing to retain body warmth, avoid prolonged exposure to cold winds, and take care of vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Respiratory specialists have reiterated the need to monitor children and individuals with asthma or chronic bronchitis closely, given the combined effect of cold air and poor air quality.

Meteorological Outlook

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the current cold spell is likely to persist over Delhi and adjoining northern plains for the next few days. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, with minimum temperatures fluctuating between 5°C and 7°C, while maximums may stay around 16–18°C.

The IMD has forecast dense fog at isolated places during early mornings, particularly in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with a continuation of cold winds from the northwest. These conditions are likely to keep daytime warming limited, prolonging the discomfort for residents.

The department has also advised airport authorities, transport operators, and commuters to remain alert, as the fog could continue to impact visibility during peak hours, particularly on highways connecting Delhi with neighboring states.

Health and Safety Advisory

Given the poor air quality, health officials recommend that residents:

• Limit outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise.
• Use masks or respirators when venturing outside.
• Ensure adequate hydration and consume warm fluids to maintain body temperature.
• Pay special attention to infants, elderly citizens, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Authorities have also emphasized the importance of indoor air quality, advising citizens to avoid burning fuels or trash indoors and ensure proper ventilation when necessary.

Conclusion

As Delhi grapples with sub-zero early mornings, icy winds, and dense fog, residents are advised to take precautions to safeguard health and safety. The combination of chilling temperatures and poor air quality is expected to continue over the next few days, maintaining a challenging environment for commuters, outdoor workers, and vulnerable populations.

The capital’s winter, marked by dense fog, frigid winds, and airborne pollutants, underscores the need for enhanced public awareness and preparedness during this season. While the city looks forward to clearer skies and warmer days ahead, authorities continue to monitor weather and air quality closely, issuing timely advisories to mitigate risks associated with the ongoing cold wave.