New Delhi, January 9, 2026 – Delhi recorded its lowest temperature of the season on Friday, as the mercury dipped to 4.6 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees below the seasonal normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks the coldest January reading in two years, since January 16, 2024, when temperatures had dropped to 3.5°C.

Over the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature recorded in the capital was 17.5°C on Thursday. The sudden dip in temperatures coincided with intermittent rainfall and persistent smog blanketing large parts of the city, creating a challenging environment for residents.

Rain and Fog Affect Daily Life

Parts of Delhi experienced intermittent light rain and drizzle, particularly in areas such as Mundaka, Paschim Vihar, Rajouri Garden, Buddha Jayanti Park, Jafarpur, Najafgarh, Dwarka, and Palam, according to IMD forecasts. Safdarjung and Lodhi Road recorded trace rainfall until 8:30 a.m., while Ayanagar received 0.8 mm of rain between 11:30 p.m. on Thursday and 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

The wet conditions, combined with fog, caused delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting at least 140 flights. A yellow alert for moderate to dense fog remains in place, with the IMD warning that shallow to moderate fog may persist over the next few days.

Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’

The cold spell coincided with a significant deterioration in air quality across Delhi. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 380 at 10 a.m. on Friday, categorizing the air as ‘very poor’. On Thursday, the 24-hour average AQI was 280, which falls under the ‘poor’ category.

Several areas of the city reported extremely high AQI readings, including Anand Vihar (380), Chandni Chowk, Jahangirpuri, Dwarka Sector 8, and Ashok Vihar, prompting health advisories for sensitive groups.

According to CPCB classifications:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

Experts warned that the combination of low temperatures, fog, and stagnant air has contributed to the accumulation of pollutants, exacerbating respiratory health risks for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Forecast for the Coming Days

The IMD expects temperatures to hover between 5–7°C on Saturday, with the maximum likely ranging from 16–18°C on Friday. Intermittent rainfall is forecasted in isolated areas, but air quality is expected to improve slightly over the weekend, though it is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category for several days.

Officials have advised citizens to limit outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups, and to wear masks or use air purifiers indoors to mitigate the effects of pollution.

Context and Historical Trends

Delhi often experiences its coldest temperatures in January due to its continental climate, but the persistent smog and poor air quality have become recurring concerns. Experts attribute the extreme winter conditions partly to weather inversion, low wind speeds, and vehicular and industrial emissions, which trap pollutants close to the ground.

The combination of cold, rain, and smog has compounded health and transport challenges, prompting advisories from both the IMD and CPCB. The low temperatures and high pollution levels highlight the growing vulnerability of Delhi residents to extreme weather and environmental stressors during winter months.

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