Delhi, Jan 08, 2026 – Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to biting cold conditions on Thursday morning as the city recorded its lowest temperature of the season, plunging to 5.8 degrees Celsius, according to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The chill has forced residents to bring out heaters, mufflers, woollen caps, and heavy winter clothing, while icy northwesterly winds and dense upper-level fog have kept temperatures well below seasonal norms.

The Safdarjung Observatory, which serves as the representative weather station for the capital, registered the minimum temperature of 5.8°C, marking a departure of 1.1°C below normal. This is possibly the coldest minimum recorded in Delhi so far this winter, surpassing the previous low of 6.1°C, which was recorded on December 20, 2025.

Cold Day Conditions Persist

Delhi has experienced ‘cold day’ conditions for consecutive days, with maximum temperatures remaining significantly lower than normal. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature hovered around 16.7°C, only slightly higher than the 15.7°C recorded on Tuesday, yet still two degrees below the seasonal average. According to the IMD, a “cold day” is defined when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C and the departure of the maximum temperature from normal exceeds 4.5°C, while a “severe cold day” is classified as one where the maximum is 6.5°C or more below normal.

Two other city weather stations—Palam and Lodhi Road—also recorded cold day conditions on Thursday, continuing the pattern of low daytime temperatures across the capital. The IMD has forecast slight increases in maximum temperature, with Thursday expected to see highs around 16.7°C, a departure of 2.3°C from normal, though the overall cold spell remains largely unabated.

Role of Fog and Winds

The unusually low temperatures have been attributed to a combination of upper-level fog and persistent icy northwesterly winds sweeping across the northern plains. Fog at upper levels traps cold air near the surface, preventing daytime warming even when the sun is out. This phenomenon, common during Delhi’s winter months, is compounded by the chilling effect of strong northwesterly winds that sweep down from the Himalayan foothills.

The dense fog has also reduced visibility significantly, impacting traffic, air travel, and public movement. Reports indicate visibility dropping to as low as 150–600 metres in parts of the city, affecting both road and air transport. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution on roads, use fog lamps, and allow extra travel time. Flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport have experienced delays due to low visibility, particularly for early morning departures.

Impact on Daily Life

The extended cold spell has had a visible impact on daily life across Delhi-NCR. Schools and offices reported a minor dip in attendance as residents avoided venturing out in the chill. Street vendors, laborers, and those engaged in outdoor work have been facing increased difficulty managing prolonged exposure to the cold, while the health impact is particularly significant for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Residents have resorted to using electric heaters, warm clothing, blankets, and hot beverages to keep warm. The combination of fog and chill has also intensified the perception of cold, with the wind chill factor making it feel even colder than the actual recorded temperature.

North India Cold Wave Continues

Meteorologists predict that the cold wave is likely to persist across northern India until at least January 15, with minimal interference from western disturbances, which could otherwise bring temporary relief in the form of rain or slightly warmer temperatures. Amateur weatherman Navdeep Dahiya told HT that regions including Punjab, Haryana, northwest Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience similar conditions, with maximum temperatures dipping into single digits in some areas.

The persistence of cold weather has raised concerns over public health, particularly given the dense fog and its tendency to trap air pollutants, compounding respiratory problems for city residents. Authorities have been urging citizens to take precautions, especially during early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.

Air Quality Concerns

Although not explicitly stated in the IMD data, Delhi’s winter fog is frequently accompanied by poor air quality due to the accumulation of pollutants. Fog traps vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and particulate matter close to the ground, resulting in elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10. This combination of low temperatures and polluted air has made it a challenging environment for people with asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Health officials recommend residents to:

• Limit outdoor exposure, especially children and the elderly.
• Wear multiple layers of warm clothing, including scarves, gloves, and caps.
• Drink warm fluids and maintain hydration.
• Use masks to reduce inhalation of pollutants, particularly if commuting outdoors.

IMD Advisory

The IMD continues to monitor weather conditions closely, issuing a yellow alert for Delhi and surrounding regions, warning of low temperatures and limited daytime warming. Officials have emphasized the need for residents to stay informed through local weather updates and media advisories, as the cold wave may continue for the coming week, affecting daily routines and travel.

The northwesterly winds, low maximum temperatures, and lingering fog together create a persistent cold pattern typical of Delhi’s winter months. With the absence of any major western disturbances or cyclonic activity expected until mid-January, this cold spell may continue to dominate Delhi’s weather landscape, keeping mornings frosty and afternoons relatively cool despite occasional sunshine.

Conclusion

As Delhi registers the lowest temperature of the season at 5.8°C, the capital faces continued chill, dense fog, and poor air quality, creating challenging conditions for daily life and travel. While the IMD predicts slight warming in maximum temperatures, residents are advised to remain cautious, wear appropriate winter clothing, and take health precautions.

The ongoing cold wave underscores the vulnerability of Delhi and the northern plains to prolonged winter conditions, particularly when compounded by atmospheric stagnation and pollutant accumulation. With forecasts indicating that cold conditions will persist at least until January 15, city dwellers must prepare for continued frosty mornings, chilly evenings, and intermittent fog, making winter 2026 one of the colder and more persistent spells in recent years.