Delhi and its surrounding areas, including Noida and Gurugram, experienced a significant cold spell on Friday, with weather conditions intensifying the ongoing winter chill in the National Capital Region (NCR). According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season at 4.6 degrees Celsius early on Friday morning, marking a sharp drop from the previous day’s reading of 5.8 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung. The temperature drop was accompanied by unexpected rainfall in parts of the region, making the cold wave particularly harsh for residents.

The rainfall over Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram came as a surprise, especially as the winter had been relatively dry until now. Visuals from Friday morning showed a thick layer of fog enveloping the region, further adding to the challenges posed by the cold. The combination of rain and dense fog significantly reduced visibility on roads, causing commuters to take extra precautions. The rain and fog followed a day that saw maximum temperatures across Delhi remain below normal, contributing to a sharp chill throughout the city.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the third lowest so far this winter, highlighting a continuing cold wave that began in early January. The reading at Safdarjung was 1.1 degrees below the seasonal average, reflecting the sustained intensity of the winter cold. Friday, however, marked the coldest day of the season, with the minimum temperature recorded at 4.6 degrees Celsius, approximately 2.3 degrees below the seasonal normal. Area-wise, the IMD reported minimum temperatures across the city as follows: Ayanagar: 4.8°C, Palam: 5.0°C, Lodhi Road: 5.2°C, Ridge station: 5.4°C.

The city has been experiencing a series of cold days since the start of 2026. The first cold day of the year was observed on January 6, when the minimum temperature stood at 7.6 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees below normal. This was followed by January 7, which also met the criteria for a cold day, with maximum and minimum temperatures recorded at 16.7 degrees Celsius and 8.6 degrees Celsius, respectively, both falling below seasonal averages. According to IMD definitions, a day is classified as a cold day if the minimum temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius, or when the maximum temperature is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal.

The onset of January has been marked by cold wave conditions and dense fog engulfing Delhi and neighboring regions. The persistent low temperatures, coupled with sudden rainfall and high humidity, have made outdoor conditions challenging. Residents of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram were advised to take precautionary measures, including wearing warm clothing and avoiding early morning and late-night travel when fog reduces visibility.

The rain and low temperatures are also expected to impact daily life and transport in the region. Flights, particularly at Indira Gandhi International Airport, experienced delays due to dense fog and low visibility early in the morning. Road traffic was similarly affected, with commuters reporting slower movement on highways and city streets, particularly in areas around Palam, Ayanagar, and Lodhi Road. The IMD has also issued forecasts indicating moderate to dense fog in the NCR during the morning hours, a continuation of the prevailing winter conditions.

The rainfall recorded on Friday, although unexpected, was not widespread but concentrated in certain parts of Delhi-NCR. It was accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures, further intensifying the winter chill. Meteorologists explained that the rain was likely due to western disturbances interacting with the cold air in the region. Western disturbances are known to bring light rain and snowfall to northern India during the winter months and often contribute to sharp temperature drops, especially in the plains of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

While Friday marked the coldest day of the season, the city has experienced a series of cold mornings and chilly nights since the start of January, affecting residents and daily routines. Schools and workplaces have reported difficulties due to low temperatures, dense fog, and slippery roads, with authorities advising early preparation and caution for commuters. Medical experts have also warned about increased risks of cold-related illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

The IMD’s regional forecast for the next few days indicates that cold wave conditions are likely to persist across northern India, with minimum temperatures continuing to remain below seasonal averages. Fog is expected to remain moderate to dense during mornings, gradually clearing up in the afternoons. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to remain around 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, maintaining cold day conditions.

Historically, January is the coldest month in Delhi, with minimum temperatures frequently dropping below 10 degrees Celsius and dense fog becoming a common occurrence. This year, the early onset of cold waves and unusual rainfall events have highlighted climatic variability, prompting the IMD to issue advisories and warnings to ensure public safety. Authorities have also urged residents to keep warm and limit exposure to the cold, especially during early mornings and late evenings when temperatures dip further.

In addition to impacting daily life, the persistent cold and fog have economic implications as well. Transport delays, disruptions in construction and outdoor work, and increased energy consumption for heating have been observed. The authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that traffic management, airport operations, and emergency services are prepared to handle weather-related challenges.

The Noida and Gurugram regions mirrored Delhi’s experience, with similar drops in minimum temperatures and pockets of rain reported early on Friday. Residents in these cities experienced both chilly mornings and intermittent rainfall, which combined with fog created slippery roads and reduced visibility, affecting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Overall, the meteorological situation in Delhi-NCR on Friday represents the coldest day of the season, bringing together a combination of record-low temperatures, fog, and rain. Experts note that such wintry conditions are typical in northern India during January, but this year’s early cold wave has drawn attention due to the intensity of the temperature drop and the occurrence of unseasonal rains.

Authorities continue to monitor weather developments, with the IMD providing updates and issuing forecasts for minimum and maximum temperatures, fog, and rainfall. Citizens are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to navigate the ongoing cold wave safely.