NEW DELHI – Residents of Delhi-NCR were met with a “rude shock” early Friday morning, January 9, 2026, as surprise rainfall lashed parts of the city, Noida, and Gurugram. The unexpected downpour, which occurred around 6:30 AM, has significantly intensified the ongoing cold wave, keeping the capital under a Yellow Alert for dense fog and biting cold.
Today’s Weather at a Glance: Friday, Jan 9
| Parameter | Reading / Forecast | Status |
| Current Temperature | 8.0°C (at 8:33 AM) | Biting Chill |
| Minimum Temperature | 5.0°C – 7.0°C (expected) | 1-2°C below normal |
| Maximum Temperature | 16.0°C – 18.0°C | 2-3°C below normal |
| Visibility | <100 metres (Palam) | Dense Fog |
| AQI | 302 | Very Poor |
Surprise Rain: Why Did It Happen?
While the IMD had previously predicted “mainly clear skies,” a sudden shift in local weather patterns brought light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms to isolated pockets of Delhi, including ITO, India Gate, Preet Vihar, and Akshardham.
- The “Fog Hole” Effect: Experts noted that while a temporary “fog hole” allowed maximum temperatures to rise marginally on Thursday, the arrival of moisture-laden winds triggered the Friday morning showers.
- Impact: The rain has added to the humidity (currently 76%), making the “real-feel” temperature significantly colder than the actual thermometer reading.
The “Coldblast” Warning
Amateur weather experts and the IMD warn that this is just the beginning of a severe 10-day spell.
- Intensifying Chill: The winter chill is expected to intensify across North India until January 15.
- Historical Comparison: Forecasters suggest the current “North Indian Coldblast” could rival the record-breaking cold spell seen in late December 2019.
Transit Disruptions
- Aviation: Visibility at IGI Airport dropped below 100 metres early Friday. Passengers are advised to expect delays and check with airlines.
- Road Safety: Authorities have issued warnings for commuters in Noida and Gurugram to use fog lights, as the combination of rain and dense fog has made road surfaces slippery and visibility poor.