Delhi-NCR Experiences Coldest Morning in 3 Years; Weather Forecast and Air Quality Update

New Delhi, January 14, 2026: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are experiencing an intense cold wave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the chill will persist throughout the day. Cold winds and high humidity have intensified the cold, making mornings particularly harsh.

According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR has been around 20°C, while the minimum has dropped to 4°C. Humidity levels have been extremely high, reaching 97–98% in the early morning, further adding to the chill.

Slight Relief Expected Tomorrow
The weather department predicts a minor rise in temperature on January 15, with the minimum expected to reach 6°C. However, moderate to dense fog is likely during early mornings and nights. This week, Delhi recorded the coldest January morning in three years, with Safdarjung Observatory registering a minimum temperature of 3°C. For comparison, the lowest temperature recorded in Delhi in the past three years was 1.4°C on January 16, 2023.

Coldest Areas in Delhi
IMD data indicates that Safdarjung recorded a minimum of 3°C, 4.4°C below the normal range. Palam registered 4°C, 3.3°C below normal, while Rody Road saw 3°C, 3°C below the average. Ridge Station recorded 4.4°C (3.7°C below normal), and Iyanagar 3.2°C (3.9°C below normal). The IMD classifies a cold wave when the minimum temperature drops 4.5–6.5°C below the season’s normal.

Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply
Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported that Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to the “very poor” category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 337. According to the CPCB’s “Sameer” app, 29 monitoring stations recorded “very poor” air quality, one station recorded “severe,” and nine stations were in the “poor” category. Anand Vihar reported the worst air quality with an AQI of 411, falling under the “severe” category.

For reference, the AQI scale is classified as: 0–50 “Good,” 51–100 “Satisfactory,” 101–200 “Moderate,” 201–300 “Poor,” 301–400 “Very Poor,” and 401–500 “Severe.”

Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold and limit outdoor activities, especially early in the morning and late at night, while also taking note of the worsening air quality.