Ayanagar Hits 2.9°C, Palam at 3°C; Delhi AQI Rises to 293 Amid Cold
Delhi faces a severe cold wave with minimum temperatures near 3°C and air quality remaining in the 'poor' range.
Delhi shivered through one of its coldest nights of the season as the minimum temperature plummeted to 2.9 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar on Sunday night, January 11-12, 2026, marking intense cold wave conditions across several parts of the national capital, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Palam Observatory recorded an even rarer low of 3.0 degrees Celsius—its coldest in recent years—while the Ridge station logged 3.7 degrees Celsius. At Safdarjung, the city's base station, the minimum settled at 4.8 degrees Celsius, with forecasts indicating a further dip to around 3 degrees Celsius on Monday night. The IMD has warned that similar cold wave conditions are likely to persist throughout the day, bringing little relief to residents.
A thin layer of fog enveloped parts of the city in the early morning hours, particularly in areas like Dhaula Kuan and Sarai Kale Khan, reducing visibility and adding to the chill. The harsh weather has compounded daily challenges, with windy and chilly conditions prevailing over the past few days. Saturday saw a minimum of 5.4 degrees Celsius accompanied by light rainfall in some areas, while Friday hovered around 5 degrees Celsius.
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Air quality remained a parallel concern amid the cold spell. As of 7:00 AM on Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 293, categorized as 'poor'—a slight deterioration from Saturday's 291. Persistent smog and low temperatures have trapped pollutants, exacerbating respiratory issues for vulnerable groups.
The ongoing cold wave has affected outdoor activities, including rehearsals for the upcoming 77th Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path, where participants braved biting winds and low visibility. Authorities have advised residents, especially the elderly and children, to take precautions against the extreme cold, including limiting exposure and using adequate warm clothing.
As North India continues to grapple with this prolonged spell of severe winter weather, the IMD predicts no immediate respite, with cold wave conditions likely to dominate the region for the next few days. The sharp drop in temperatures serves as a reminder of Delhi's vulnerability to extreme seasonal fluctuations, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness in shelter, healthcare, and public services during such periods.
