NEW DELHI – The national capital recorded its coldest morning of the season on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as the mercury plummeted to 5.8°C at Safdarjung. The intense cold wave, coupled with dense morning fog, significantly disrupted early-morning travel, with visibility dropping to 150 metres at Palam.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained a Yellow Alert for the city, forecasting that these “cold day” conditions will likely persist for the next 48 hours as icy winds from the Himalayas continue to sweep through the northern plains.
Weather Summary: Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
| Parameter | Reading | Status |
| Minimum Temperature | 5.8°C | 1.2°C below normal (Season’s Lowest) |
| Maximum Temperature | 16.7°C (expected) | ~2°C below normal |
| Visibility | 150 metres (Palam) | Dense Fog (Category: III/IV) |
| AQI (24-hour average) | 276 | Poor (Deteriorating to Very Poor) |
Defining the “Cold Day”
Delhi is officially experiencing its second consecutive “Cold Day.” According to the IMD, a cold day is declared when:
- The minimum temperature stays below 10°C.
- The maximum temperature shows a departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal. Stations at Palam (4.8°C) and Lodhi Road have already met the criteria for a “severe cold day” due to even sharper drops in daytime temperatures.
Air Quality & Health Advisory
While the AQI showed marginal improvement to 276 (Poor) on Thursday morning, pollutants are expected to accumulate as wind speeds drop by the evening.
- Hotspots: Areas like Anand Vihar (324), Jahangirpuri (327), and Nehru Nagar (343) have already slipped into the “Very Poor” category.
- Health Tip: Health experts advise residents—especially those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly—to avoid heavy outdoor exercise during early morning and late evening when the smog is thickest.
Travel & Transit Disruptions
- Aviation: Over 40 flights at IGI Airport were delayed on Thursday morning due to low visibility. Airlines have issued advisories for passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Railways: Nearly 15-20 long-distance trains arriving in Delhi were reported running late by 2 to 5 hours.
- Road: Authorities have urged commuters to use fog lights and maintain safe distances on the Delhi-Meerut and Yamuna Expressways.