Delhi Shivers as Mercury Plunges to 4.6°C; Season Coldest Morning Recorded

New Delhi | January 9, 2026 — The national capital is currently in the grip of a relentless cold wave as temperatures plummeted to a new season low on Friday morning. Residents woke up to a bone-chilling 4.6°C, recorded at the Safdarjung base station—the lowest temperature the city has seen this winter so far.

The sharp dip, which is approximately 2.3°C below the seasonal average, was accompanied by unexpected trace rainfall and a thick blanket of smog, significantly intensifying the winter chill across the Delhi-NCR region.

A Chilly Surprise: Rain and Record Lows

While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously predicted dry but cold conditions, several parts of the city experienced light drizzles during the early hours of Friday. Weather stations at Safdarjung and Lodhi Road recorded trace rainfall, while Ayanagar received 0.8 mm.

This moisture, combined with icy winds blowing from the snow-clad Himalayas, has created a “double whammy” for commuters and outdoor workers. The mercury readings across various stations highlighted the severity of the chill:

• Safdarjung: 4.6°C (Season’s Lowest)
• Ayanagar: 4.8°C
• Palam: 5.0°C
• Lodhi Road: 5.2°C
• The Ridge: 5.4°C

Impact on Life and Visibility

The extreme weather has brought life to a crawl in the capital. A dense layer of fog and smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility during the morning rush hour.

• Transportation: While major flight disruptions were not reported at the time of writing, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert, warning of potential delays in rail and air travel if fog densifies over the weekend.
• Health & Safety: Health experts have advised the elderly and children to avoid outdoor activities during early morning and late evening hours. Homeless shelters (Rain Baseras) are seeing a surge in occupancy as the city administration ramps up efforts to provide blankets and heating for those on the streets.

Air Quality Remains a Concern

Despite the light rain, which usually helps wash away pollutants, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘Very Poor’ category. At 10:00 AM on Friday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 380. Localized smog, trapped by the cold and heavy air, continues to pose respiratory risks for residents.

The Forecast: Is Relief in Sight?

The IMD suggests that there will be little respite in the coming days. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 17°C, keeping daytime conditions “cold” to “very cold.”

“The cold wave conditions are likely to persist over North and Northwest India for the next 48 to 72 hours. We expect the minimum temperature to stay between 4°C and 6°C until at least January 12,” stated a senior IMD official.

Residents are advised to stay layered and keep track of official weather bulletins as the city navigates the peak of its winter season.