Delhi Weather Update: Temperature Drops to 4.2°C, Flight Operations Hit

The cold wave in Delhi intensified on January 10, 2026, as the minimum temperature slid to 4.2 degrees Celsius, the lowest of this season so far. Dense fog covered large parts of the city, reduced visibility sharply, and led to several delayed flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed that the minimum temperature remained 2.7 degrees below the normal seasonal average for this time of January. The previous recent low in the city for January came on January 15, 2024, when the temperature touched 3.3 degrees Celsius and cold wave conditions were reported.

Delhi temperature and dense fog impact on daily movement

Fog remained a key concern for travellers as visibility dropped significantly in many areas during the morning hours. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were hit, with several services delayed due to the low visibility and persistent dense fog over the runway and surrounding airspace.

Relative humidity touched 100% at 9 am, which made the cold feel more uncomfortable and damp across neighbourhoods. Visuals from various parts of Delhi showed roads, buildings, and open spaces blanketed in thick haze. Residents heading out early faced a mix of low temperatures, dense fog, and stagnant air.

Delhi air quality and dense fog conditions explained

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the city’s Air Quality Index at 366, placing it in the "very poor" category. With both pollution and cold settling over Delhi, health experts advised limited outdoor activity during early mornings and late nights, especially for sensitive groups.

According to CPCB classification, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. These ranges highlight how current conditions remain far from healthy levels for outdoor exposure.

Weather stations across the city reported a sharp fall in minimum temperatures. Safdarjung, the IMD’s base station for Delhi, logged 4.2 degrees Celsius. Palam and Ayanagar recorded 4.5 degrees Celsius each, Lodhi Road registered 4.7 degrees Celsius, while Ridge reported 5.3 degrees Celsius during the same period.

Recent records show a steady drop in early winter temperatures. Friday marked the second-coldest morning of this season at 4.6 degrees Celsius. The third-lowest minimums were logged earlier, on December 4 and 5 at 5.6 degrees Celsius, and on December 1 at 5.7 degrees Celsius, according to PTI.

With temperatures staying low, fog lingering and air quality in the 'very poor' band, authorities and experts advised residents, especially younger children, older adults, and those with respiratory problems, to take basic precautions and avoid long outdoor exposure during peak cold and fog hours.