Delhi, January 12, 2026: North India continues to reel under intense cold as Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 3.2°C on Monday, with biting winds and dense fog affecting daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD)has issued a fresh cold wave warning for Delhi, NCR, and several northern states.

Cold Wave Forecast

The IMD bulletin predicts cold wave conditions over:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Jammu
• Haryana
• Chandigarh
• Delhi
• Uttarakhand

Dense fog and cold wave are also expected in parts of Rajasthan, Bihar, and northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland.

Delhi’s Current Weather

• Minimum Temperatures (Monday, Jan 12):
  • Safdarjung: 3.2°C
  • Palam: 3°C
  • Ayanagar: 2.9°C
• Visibility: Dense fog has forced Indira Gandhi International Airport to impose CAT III operations, which may cause flight delays and cancellations. Passengers are advised to check flight status with airlines.

Air Quality Remains Poor

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to be in the poor category:

• Current AQI: 291 (as of Sunday 4 PM)
• AQI categories:
  • 0–50: Good
  • 51–100: Satisfactory
  • 101–200: Moderate
  • 201–300: Poor
  • 301–400: Very Poor
  • 401–500: Severe

Experts caution that the combination of cold winds, fog, and high pollution can increase respiratory health risks, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions.

The cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days, keeping temperatures well below normal across northern India.