Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Delhi Faces Cold Wave, Dense Fog, Poor Air Quality
Delhi is experiencing cold weather with a lot of fog and not-so-good air quality.
The air quality index (AQI) is in the 'poor' category and might get worse, reaching near 'severe' levels.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for fog and cold wave conditions.
Temperatures are expected to be between 6°C to 8°C at night and 17°C to 19°C during the day.
These cold conditions are also affecting nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The cold wave is when it gets much colder than usual, and the fog makes it hard to see.
People are advised to take care and stay warm.
The colder conditions in Delhi are part of a wider chill across North India, with air pollution making the weather even more uncomfortable.
Mumbai also experienced a significant drop in air quality, with the AQI reaching 144 by Sunday evening, affecting visibility and health.
Delhi's AQI was 248 (Poor) on Sunday, with several monitoring stations recording 'very poor' levels.
IMD issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog and cold wave conditions in Delhi NCR until January 7.
Cold wave conditions are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan during the same period.
Temperatures in Delhi are expected to range from 6°C to 8°C (minimum) and 17°C to 19°C (maximum).
The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts AQI to remain in the 'very poor' category from January 4 to January 6.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan
- What
- Cold wave, dense fog, and poor air quality conditions
- When
- From January 4 to January 7, with forecasts extending to January 9
- Where
- Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan
- Why
- Seasonal weather patterns and atmospheric conditions
Cold Wave Conditions
Air Quality Concerns
Temperature Forecast
Cold Wave Conditions
Temperatures in Delhi are expected to range from 6°C to 8°C (minimum) and 17°C to 19°C (maximum).
Air Quality Concerns
The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts AQI to remain in the 'very poor' category from January 4 to January 6.
Fog and Cold Wave Alert
Cold Wave Conditions
IMD issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog and cold wave conditions in Delhi NCR until January 7.
Air Quality Concerns
The AQI in Delhi was 248 (Poor) on Sunday, with several monitoring stations recording 'very poor' levels.
Impact on Nearby States
Cold Wave Conditions
Cold wave conditions are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan during the same period.
Air Quality Concerns
The colder conditions in Delhi are part of a wider chill across North India, with air pollution intensifying the weather discomfort.
- AQI on Sunday morning
- 248 (Poor)
- Predicted AQI later in the day
- 390 (Approaching Severe)
- Expected AQI category (Jan 4-6)
- Very Poor
- Maximum temperature range
- 17°C to 19°C
- Minimum temperature range
- 6°C to 8°C
- Cold wave alert until
- January 7 (isolated pockets)
- Minimum temperature in Mahendragarh, Haryana
- 4°C
- Minimum temperature in Faridkot, Punjab
- 5.5°C
- Maximum temperature in Delhi on Sunday
- 17.3°C
- Minimum temperature in Delhi on Sunday
- 7.4°C
- AQI in Mumbai on Sunday evening
- 144
- Worst AQI in Mumbai
- 194 in Byculla
Sources
Delhi weather: Cold wave conditions likely, IMD alert for dense fog, AQI ‘poor’ at 298
Winter smog pushes Rjy air quality into severe zone
Cold wave to grip Delhi from Jan 4; dense fog may linger till next weekend, says IMD
Intense cold prevails in Punjab, Haryana
Smog shrouds Delhi as AQI remains ‘Poor’ at 248, breathing discomfort persists
Dense to very dense fog warning issued as fresh western disturbance approaches
Cold Snap Continues in Telugu States with Forecast for Fog
Desert town Churu at 4.4° C remains coldest city in Rajasthan as state braves cold wave conditions
Day temperatures low amid cloudy conditions in Delhi; cold wave likely at isolated places
Mumbai blanketed in haze as AQI plummets to 144
North India shivers as cold wave persists; IMD forecasts snowfall in Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand
Delhi NGOs step up rescues, shelters and care as severe cold grips capital’s vulnerable
Delhi AQI turns ‘very poor’ again after brief relief
Delhi AQI remains ‘poor’ as national capital reels under cold wave
Delhi AQI back to ‘very poor’ level after brief respite – Check area-wise air quality here
Dense fog to persist across Assam, Northeast till January 7
IMD predicts dense fog in parts of North India over next two days
Delhi wakes up to layer of fog as AQI remains in 'poor' category, flights delayed at IGI Airport
Smog blankets Delhi as AQI remains ‘poor’; flight operations affected
Air quality poor in city
IndiGo, SpiceJet halt flight operations in Leh amid snowfall, Delhi airport sees several delays due to fog conditions
