Delhi Under Triple Threat: “Severe” Smog, Zero Visibility, And Biting Cold

NEW DELHI — The national capital is currently battling a “triple whammy” of extreme weather. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Delhiites woke up to a layer of toxic smog so thick that visibility plunged to near-zero in several areas. Despite a marginal rise in temperature to 7°C (up from Friday’s 4.4°C), the perceived chill remains intense due to high humidity and calm winds.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR to combat what is now “Severe” air quality.

1. Air Quality Alert: GRAP-III Back in Force

With the AQI hitting 368 (Very Poor) and several hotspots crossing the 400 mark (Severe), the following emergency restrictions are now active:

• Vehicle Bans: Plying of BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel four-wheelers is strictly prohibited in Delhi and neighboring NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad).
• Construction Halt: All private construction and demolition activities are suspended, except for essential railway, metro, and healthcare projects.
• School Shifts: Schools for children up to Class 5 have been advised to shift to online or hybrid modes to protect students from toxic exposure.

2. Travel Chaos: 60+ Flights Disrupted

Dense fog has turned the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport into a logistical bottleneck.

• Flight Delays: Over 60 flights (both domestic and international) faced delays or diversions this morning as visibility dropped below 50 meters during peak hours.
• Railways: Several North-bound trains are running 3 to 6 hours behind schedule due to the “whiteout” conditions across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

3. Temperature Tracker & Forecast

While the immediate cold wave has eased slightly, the IMD warns that this “reprieve” is temporary.

The Week Ahead:

• Jan 18–19: A Western Disturbance is expected to bring the minimum temperature up to 9°C, providing short-term relief.
• Jan 23–26: A second cold spell is predicted to hit, potentially bringing temperatures back down to the 3°C range.