Delhi Temperature Drops to 4.2 Degrees Celsius, Season’s Coldest Morning Recorded

Delhi temperature fell to 4.2 degrees Celsius, the season’s lowest, as dense fog, flight delays, and very poor air quality hit the capital.

shivani Poli January 10, 2026

161 3 minutes read

At 4.2 Degrees Celsius, Delhi Records Season’s Lowest Temperature as Dense Fog and Poor Air Quality Disrupt Daily Life

As winter continues to tighten its grip on the national capital, Delhi temperature plunged to 4.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, marking the coldest morning of the season so far. The sharp dip intensified cold conditions across the city, disrupting daily life and impacting air and flight operations.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature recorded at Safdarjung stood at 4.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.7 degrees below the seasonal average. The reading highlights the severity of the current cold spell affecting the capital.

Coldest Morning of the Season

This temperature marks the lowest minimum recorded in Delhi this winter. The previous coldest January day in recent years was January 15, 2024, when the mercury dropped to 3.3 degrees Celsius, triggering cold wave conditions across large parts of the city.

Friday had already signaled worsening conditions, recording the second-coldest morning of the season at 4.6 degrees Celsius. Earlier in December, minimum temperatures hovered around 5.6 degrees Celsius on December 4 and 5, and 5.7 degrees Celsius on December 1, but Saturday’s reading marked a significant escalation in winter intensity.

Station-Wise Temperature Readings

A sharp dip was recorded across multiple weather stations in Delhi. Along with Safdarjung’s 4.2°C, Palam and Ayanagar both recorded 4.5°C, while Lodhi Road saw a minimum of 4.7°C. The Ridge area reported slightly higher temperatures at 5.3°C.

These readings reflect uniform cold conditions across the capital, with no major relief in any part of the city.

Dense Fog and Zero Visibility Concerns

Adding to the discomfort caused by the low Delhi temperature, dense fog enveloped the city during the early hours of the day. Visibility dropped significantly in several areas, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and travelers.

The IMD has forecast dense fog conditions during the day, particularly in the morning hours. Relative humidity was recorded at 100 percent at 9 am, intensifying the cold and damp environment.

Fog-related disruptions were reported across transportation networks, especially at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Flights Delayed at Delhi Airport

Due to reduced visibility caused by dense fog, several flights were delayed at Delhi’s airport. Airlines issued advisories to passengers, urging them to check flight schedules before heading to the airport.

While no large-scale cancellations were reported, delays affected both domestic and international flights, causing inconvenience to travelers during peak winter travel season.

Air Quality Remains a Major Concern

Alongside extreme cold and fog, air quality in the city continued to deteriorate. Visuals from several areas showed thick smog covering the city in the early hours of Saturday.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 366, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category. Poor dispersion conditions due to low wind speed and dense fog have contributed to the persistence of pollution.

As per CPCB classification:

AQI 0–50 is considered good
51–100 satisfactory
101–200 moderate
201–300 poor
301–400 very poor
401–500 severe

An AQI of 366 poses health risks, particularly for children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions.

Advisory for Residents

With temperatures hovering near freezing levels and air quality remaining poor, residents have been advised to take precautions, especially during early morning hours when cold and fog are at their peak.

Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activities, wearing warm clothing, and using protective masks to reduce exposure to polluted air. People with respiratory or cardiac conditions are advised to remain indoors as much as possible.

What to Expect Next

Meteorological officials have indicated that cold and foggy conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. While slight fluctuations in minimum temperatures may occur, no immediate relief from the winter chill or pollution levels is expected.

As Delhi temperature continues to remain low, authorities are closely monitoring weather patterns and issuing advisories to minimize disruptions and health risks.

For now, the capital braces itself for more cold mornings, dense fog, and continued air quality challenges as winter reaches its peak.

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