New Delhi, January 13, 2026 – Delhi woke up to a piercing cold on Tuesday as the city remained gripped by a severe cold wave, with minimum temperatures dipping to as low as 3 degrees Celsius in some areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital recorded an average temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, with Safdarjung and Lodhi Road observing lows of 3 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar, another key region in Delhi, recorded a minimum temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius.

The cold wave, which has been persisting over the past several days, has combined with dense morning fog, significantly affecting visibility and transport across the city. Delhi’s roads, airports, and railways are witnessing disruptions due to the unusual combination of near-freezing temperatures and thick fog, making travel challenging for commuters.

Air Quality Worsens Amid Cold Wave

Adding to the city’s woes, the air quality continued to deteriorate, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 337 as of 8 AM on Tuesday, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas reported AQI levels above 350, indicating hazardous levels of pollutants that pose serious health risks.

Specific readings from key locations include:

• Nehru Nagar: 358
• Jahangirpuri: 357
• Anand Vihar: 411
• RK Puram: 365
• Patparganj: 366
• Wazirpur: 375
• Vivek Vihar: 366
• Siri Fort: 342
• Rohini: 397
• Okhla Phase 2: 296
• Chandni Chowk: 380
• Dwarka Sector 8: 384

For context, AQI classification ranges from 0–50 as ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 as ‘severe’. Readings above 300, as observed in much of Delhi, can aggravate respiratory conditions and pose health hazards, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

Plains Witness Near-Freezing Temperatures

Delhi is not alone in experiencing frigid conditions. Across northern plains, several cities recorded near-freezing temperatures on Tuesday morning:

• Hisar: 2.6°C
• Amritsar: 1.1°C
• Churu: 1.3°C
• Karnal: 3.5°C
• Meerut: 4.5°C

In contrast, hill stations in the north, such as Mussoorie and Shimla, recorded relatively warmer temperatures of 7.7°C and 8.8°C respectively. IMD director general M. Mohapatra explained this unusual temperature pattern, noting that cloud cover over the hills, driven by an active western disturbance, prevented heat from escaping during the night, keeping minimum temperatures higher than the plains.

“The night was cloudy over the higher reaches, which is why minimum temperatures remained higher there,” Mohapatra said.

Meanwhile, the northern plains experienced clear skies and persistent cold northwesterly winds, creating strong radiative cooling that allowed temperatures to drop sharply. This combination of factors has intensified the cold wave over Delhi and surrounding regions.

Recent Cold Wave Trends in Delhi

The city has been facing extreme cold conditions for several days. On Monday, the minimum temperature in Ayanagar fell to 2.9°C, while Palam recorded 3.0°C, marking some of the lowest readings in recent years. Safdarjung station registered a minimum of 4.8°C, and the Ridge station recorded 3.7°C. Maximum temperatures in these areas were relatively mild, with the Ridge station reaching 18.8°C, highlighting the sharp contrast between day and night temperatures during this cold spell.

Experts say that Delhi’s cold wave is being exacerbated by the city’s topography and urban environment. Radiative cooling during clear nights, combined with the accumulation of pollutants, tends to trap cold air near the ground, resulting in persistently low temperatures and poor air quality.

Health Advisory and Precautions

Authorities have issued advisories for the public to take precautions during the ongoing cold wave and very poor air quality conditions. The combination of low temperatures, dense fog, and high pollution levels can pose serious health risks, including respiratory distress, aggravated asthma, and cardiovascular problems.

Experts recommend that residents:

• Limit outdoor activities, especially early in the morning and late at night.
• Wear multiple layers of warm clothing and cover exposed skin.
• Use air purifiers indoors if possible, particularly for children and the elderly.
• Avoid burning firecrackers, crop residue, or any other materials that may increase air pollution.
• Drink warm fluids and maintain a balanced diet to strengthen immunity.

Health authorities also urge individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions to remain vigilant and seek medical assistance if they experience breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, or persistent cough.

Transport and Visibility Concerns

The dense fog accompanying the cold wave has affected visibility on roads and highways, leading to slower traffic movement and higher risk of accidents. Airports have reported delays in early morning flights due to low visibility, while the Indian Railways has had to adjust train schedules to ensure safety. Commuters are being advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution while driving or walking in fog-affected areas.

Looking Ahead

IMD forecasts suggest that the cold wave conditions over Delhi and northern plains are likely to persist for the next few days, with minimum temperatures remaining close to or slightly above the freezing point in low-lying areas. Cloud cover over the hills may continue to maintain warmer temperatures in those regions, while the plains may experience continued radiative cooling at night.

Experts emphasise the need for long-term measures to mitigate the effects of winter pollution in Delhi, including the reduction of vehicular emissions, better management of crop residue burning in neighbouring states, and increased use of clean energy sources. Short-term measures, such as timely weather advisories and public awareness campaigns, are critical to help citizens cope with the harsh conditions.

Conclusion

Delhi residents are enduring a particularly harsh cold wave, with minimum temperatures dropping to as low as 3°C, compounded by dense fog and very poor air quality. The extreme cold has disrupted daily life, travel, and poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, issuing advisories and urging residents to take precautions.

As the cold wave persists, awareness, preparedness, and careful adherence to health guidelines remain essential for navigating the combined challenges of low temperatures, poor visibility, and hazardous air quality. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and AQI readings, and to prioritise safety during this prolonged winter spell.