Delhi records first cold day of 2026 amid dense fog

Delhi experienced its first cold day of the year on January 6, with temperatures remaining significantly below normal and harsh winter conditions persisting into January 7, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD defines a cold day as one when the maximum temperature falls 4.5-6.5°C below the seasonal average. On Wednesday, minimum temperatures in the city are expected to range between 5°C and 7°C, while maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 16-18°C, considerably lower than typical early January levels. Cold air masses from the northwest continue to grip the region, sustaining winter chill despite some improvement from earlier lows this week.

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Dense Fog and Visibility Concerns

Morning hours are likely to see shallow to moderate fog, with visibility improving from critically low 250-300 metres at Safdarjung to around 300-800 metres by late morning. While conditions are better than the dense fog phase that affected the city from January 3-5, the IMD has advised residents and commuters to exercise caution in the early hours when visibility remains restricted.

Wind speeds are forecast to remain below 10 kmph from the northwest during evenings and nights, with calmer conditions expected in the afternoons. The fog is expected to lift by noon as temperatures gradually rise.

Air Quality Shows Improvement

Delhi’s air quality has improved from the “very poor” category recorded at the start of the year, declining to “poor” with an AQI of around 200-240 on January 7. PM2.5 levels have reduced as wind speeds increase and ventilation conditions improve, though air quality remains below safe levels.