Delhi cold wave continues: Temperatures set to drop further amid fog and poor air

Delhi remains under a cold wave with dense fog and 'poor' air quality for a second day on January 5, prompting airline warnings for flight delays. The IMD forecasts a 2-3°C drop in minimum temperatures across northwest India over the next four days.

As the cold wave gripping Delhi and north India since late December persists, the city faced dense fog and 'poor' air quality index (AQI) readings on January 5—the second consecutive day of such conditions. This has disrupted travel, with airlines alerting passengers to potential flight delays due to low visibility.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts minimum temperatures will fall by an additional 2-3°C across northwest India over the next four days, intensifying the chill in Delhi and surrounding regions. Visibility challenges continue to affect daily life for residents during this prolonged winter spell.

This update follows earlier reports of record-low December temperatures, nationwide cold snaps, and initial fog warnings.

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Dense fog at Delhi airport shrouds planes and passengers, disrupting flights and trains amid severe pollution.
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Dense fog disrupts flights and trains in Delhi-NCR

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Dense fog enveloped Delhi-NCR on Monday, reducing visibility to near zero and severely disrupting air and rail travel. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India warned of flight delays and cancellations, while schools in Noida were closed until January 1. The Air Quality Index reached 403, falling into the severe category.

On January 17, 2026, dense fog blanketed Delhi-NCR, reducing visibility to zero and causing delays in flights and trains. Air quality worsened, prompting the imposition of GRAP-III restrictions. The IMD has warned of continued cold wave and fog for the next five days.

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Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' at an AQI of 382 on January 1, 2026, amid an ongoing cold wave that saw December 31 mark the city's coldest day in six years with a maximum of 14.2°C. Light rain was forecast, while cold conditions gripped much of India.

Following Saturday's surge to 387, Delhi-NCR's air quality deteriorated further on December 15, 2025, with AQI exceeding 450 amid dense smog and fog. IMD issued an orange alert, GRAP-4 enforced hybrid schooling and 50% work-from-home, while traffic and flights faced disruptions.

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On December 28, 2025, Delhi-NCR grappled with very poor air quality, recording an average AQI of 391. Dense fog and a cold wave prompted alerts for travelers, with pollution levels alarmingly high in surrounding areas too.

Delhi’s air quality worsened to an AQI of 353—classified as 'very poor'—on December 27, exacerbated by dense fog trapping pollutants, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

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An intense cold wave has gripped north India, with Gurugram recording a low of 0.6°C, colder than Shimla. Delhi shivered at a minimum of 3°C. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Haryana and Delhi.

Jumamosi, 31. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 10:08:51

Delhi-NCR sees light rain as air quality stays very poor

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Delhi sees wettest January in four years with increased chill

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Jumatano, 14. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 06:25:58

Dense fog blankets Delhi, visibility drops to 50m at airport

Jumapili, 11. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 16:28:33

Delhi hits season-low 3.2°C amid northern India's intensifying cold wave

Jumanne, 6. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 17:27:23

Delhi-NCR Cold Wave Persists into January: Noida Schools Shut as AQI Remains Very Poor

Ijumaa, 2. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 02:46:41

Delhi cold wave intensifies on January 2 amid improving air quality

Jumatano, 31. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 00:26:57

Dense fog persists, disrupts flights in Delhi-NCR ahead of New Year

Jumatatu, 29. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 09:29:35

Delhi AQI Hits Very Poor 385 as Dense Fog Persists

Jumatatu, 22. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 22:06:52

Ongoing dense fog and cold wave disrupt Delhi flights and trains

 

 

 

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