New Delhi, Jan 08, 2026 – Cold day conditions persisted in the Capital for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, as icy northwesterly winds and upper-level fog prevented temperatures from climbing. The maximum temperature hovered at 16.7°C—slightly higher than Tuesday’s 15.7°C but still about two degrees below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Fog and cold winds keep the city chilly

Meteorological officials reported shallow fog across the city, with visibility dropping to around 800 metres at Safdarjung and 600 metres at Palam. While surface-level fog remained shallow, upper-level fog persisted, limiting sunshine and keeping daytime temperatures suppressed.

“We are recording consistent northwesterly winds, which, alongside the fog, are not allowing the maximum to rise. While a few places saw sunshine, it was not strong enough,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet.

The IMD classifies a “cold day” when the minimum temperature falls below 10°C and the departure of maximum temperature from normal exceeds 4.5°C. A “severe cold day” is declared when the maximum is 6.5°C or more below normal. Both Palam and Lodhi Road stations met the cold day criterion, recording departures of -4.8°C and -4.7°C respectively.

Yellow alert continues

The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate to dense fog in Delhi and persistent upper-level fog across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. On Wednesday, the lowest maximum was recorded at Palam (13.9°C), followed by Ridge and Ayanagar (15.9°C). The city also experienced a minimum temperature of 8.6°C, two degrees below normal, resulting in a relatively narrow diurnal range of just 8°C.

Experts predict that cold conditions will intensify in north India until January 15.

“With no western disturbances expected until January 15, similar cold conditions should persist, with single-digit maximums likely in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh,” said Navdeep Dahiya, an amateur weatherman.

He added that on Wednesday, many northern stations narrowly missed single-digit maximums, hovering between 10-12°C, while the wind chill factor is making evenings particularly harsh. For Delhi, Dahiya forecasts a maximum of 12-15°C and minimum between 3-4°C in the coming days.

Citizens are advised to bundle up and take precautions against cold and fog-related hazards, especially during early morning and late evening hours.