Delhi experienced a significant drop in temperatures on Friday, January 9, 2026, as the city recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season at 4.6 degrees Celsius. The record low comes amid a series of cold days in the National Capital Region (NCR), as residents contend with biting winter chill, dense fog, and unexpected rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi for the day, warning citizens of colder-than-normal conditions and advising precautions for health and travel.

This early morning minimum of 4.6°C marks a new seasonal record, surpassing earlier lows recorded in the city. On Thursday, January 8, Safdarjung station, one of Delhi’s key weather monitoring stations, reported a minimum temperature of 5.8°C, which was already one of the lowest temperatures of this winter season. This reading itself was significantly below the previous day’s minimum of 8.6°C, highlighting the sharp fall in temperatures over consecutive days. Previously, the lowest minimum recorded at Safdarjung station was 5.6°C on December 4 and 5, 2025, indicating that the city has now entered the peak phase of winter with intense cold mornings.

Delhi and the surrounding NCR experienced unusual weather conditions on Friday morning, as rain showers were reported in parts of the region. Areas including Delhi, Noida in Uttar Pradesh, and Gurugram in Haryana recorded light rainfall, which caught residents by surprise. This rainfall, coupled with the low temperatures, contributed to a chilly morning across the region. According to the IMD, the rainfall in the NCR and nearby regions is associated with a weak western disturbance moving across northern India, which has brought intermittent rain and snowfall in adjoining states and intensified the cold wave in Delhi.

The IMD forecast for January 9 indicated mainly clear skies with moderate to dense fog at a few places, particularly in the early morning hours. The minimum temperature was expected to fall between 5–7°C for the day, although the early morning low had already dipped to 4.6°C. Maximum temperatures were projected to hover between 16–18°C. Despite the rising daytime temperatures, mornings and nights continue to be bitterly cold, and citizens have been advised to take precautions against cold-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with respiratory conditions.

The regional meteorological department also issued warnings of light to moderate rain, accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning in Haryana during the early hours of January 9. Specific locations in Delhi likely to experience light rainfall included Preet Vihar, ITO, India Gate, Akshardham, and Safdarjung. The rainfall, though light, has added to the dampness and cold, contributing to a noticeable increase in discomfort during the morning commute. Residents reported chilly, wet conditions that accentuated the effects of the already low temperatures.

Interestingly, while minimum temperatures reached record lows, maximum temperatures across Delhi rose marginally due to the phenomenon of a “fog hole.” Navdeep Dahiya, an amateur meteorologist, explained that this occurs when upper-level fog persists over parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, creating gaps in the fog layer over Delhi-NCR. These gaps allow sunlight to penetrate and slightly warm the surface, causing daytime temperatures to rise above the early morning minimums. This phenomenon has led to a unique pattern where mornings are colder than expected, yet afternoons experience mild warmth, giving the city’s weather a sharp diurnal contrast during this period of winter.

Dense fog continued to affect visibility in parts of the city. On Thursday, for instance, visibility at Delhi’s Palam airport dipped to just 100 metres, causing travel disruptions and flight delays. The persistence of fog across the NCR has raised concerns among commuters, with authorities advising caution while driving. The IMD forecast predicts that dense to moderate fog is likely to continue in the mornings over the next few days, and residents have been urged to remain alert, especially while navigating through the city during early hours and late evenings.

The IMD has also highlighted that the winter chill is expected to intensify across northern India until January 15. Cold wave conditions are anticipated to continue in Delhi and other northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. With daytime temperatures fluctuating modestly while nighttime lows plummet, the forecast underscores the persistence of harsh winter conditions in the region. Citizens are advised to use warm clothing, maintain adequate heating indoors, and take precautions to prevent cold-related health issues such as hypothermia and seasonal influenza.

The extreme cold has also led to increased attention to energy and public services. Demand for electricity and heating fuel has surged, while municipal authorities have issued advisories regarding water supply, as low temperatures often lead to pipe freezing and disruptions in water distribution. Delhi’s health departments have issued special advisories for vulnerable groups, urging the elderly and children to avoid prolonged exposure to cold and to take preventive measures such as using masks, scarves, and layers of warm clothing.

In terms of urban impact, the drop in temperature and the associated fog have caused morning traffic slowdowns. Visibility issues on roads and highways have made commuting challenging, with motorists urged to drive cautiously and maintain safe distances. Public transportation authorities have also announced measures to manage increased ridership on buses and metro trains as citizens opt for indoor commuting options to avoid the cold.

Meanwhile, the combination of rainfall and low temperatures has also affected air quality. Experts note that moisture from rainfall can temporarily reduce particulate pollution, but persistent fog can trap pollutants near ground level, reducing visibility and posing health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Residents have been advised to monitor local air quality reports and limit outdoor activities during periods of dense fog or poor air quality.

While the current weather reflects normal winter trends for Delhi, this season’s record minimums and sporadic rainfall are noteworthy. The city has seen a series of cold waves and unseasonably low temperatures, signaling a particularly harsh winter compared to previous years. This trend is consistent with broader meteorological observations across northern India, where early January has brought temperatures lower than seasonal norms, prompting alerts from the IMD for multiple states.

In summary, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6°C on Friday, January 9, 2026, setting a seasonal record for the coldest morning so far. The city remains under a yellow alert from the IMD due to colder-than-normal conditions, with moderate to dense fog in the morning hours and light rainfall reported in various areas. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 16–18°C, providing brief respite from the early morning chill. The IMD has cautioned residents to prepare for continued cold waves and to remain vigilant regarding health, transportation, and daily activities in the coming days.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely, issuing timely updates and alerts. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official IMD notifications and take preventive measures against cold, fog, and rainfall disruptions. The combination of record lows, dense fog, and unexpected rainfall makes this winter period one of the most challenging in recent years for the residents of Delhi and the NCR.

Overall, the weather scenario in Delhi as of January 9 underscores the significance of early warnings, public preparedness, and individual precautions to safely navigate the severe winter conditions while minimizing health risks and disruptions to daily life.