New Delhi is still stuck deep in an arduous winter, when the capital city experienced its coldest morning of the year on Friday morning, January 9, 2026. Under investigation, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed the latest minimum temperature at the base weather station in Delhi, Safdarjung, fell to a bone-chilling 4.6°C, the lowest temperature registered in Delhi this month and this winter season, at around 2.3°C below the seasonal average.
The unexpected drop and early morning showers mixed with heavy fog made it the harshest day for Delhiites this year. Surprise Rain Intensifies the Chill. Today at approximately 6:00 AM, “surprise” rain was falling across Delhi-NCR as the city already faced a vicious cold wave. Moderate to light rainfall was reported in some places such as Akshardham, ITO, Lodhi Road, and Gurugram.
The rains -- which have only been induced by a local meteorological event -- have led to marked increases in humidity and in the "feel-like" temperature, despite staying just below 4.6°C, due to icy northwesterly winds hitting 13 kmph. Effects on everyday life Schools and Transport. This severe weather has lead to near-impromptu executive action. Given the cold and fog, the Delhi government has closed all schools (limited to Class 8) until January 15, 2026.
Transport Disruptions:
- Aviation: Visibility was fair for most of the IGI Airport flights this week so far, and several flights have been delayed this morning partly by rain and dense fog.
- Railways: According to reports about 20 north-bound trains now running late by 2 to 5 hours because of the lack of visibility in the northern plains.
- Roads: There was a rough Friday morning for commuters as waterlogging in several low-lying areas and thick fog levels had fewer than 200 meters of vision in several nearby pockets.
Health Risks and Air Quality
Despite the rain typically serving as a “scrubber” for pollutants, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) comes in at 325 today in the ‘Very Poor’ category. The pollutants are being trapped near the ground by the heavy, freezing air, which is causing respiratory distress among elderly and children. Health experts encourage residents:
- Layer Up: Wear minimum three layers of clothing to trap your body heat.
- Stay Hydrated: Cold air is dehydrating; fluids are good to drink.
Weather Outlook: Is It Going to Become Colder Next?
The IMD has made a 'Yellow Alert' for the remaining 48h. The maximum is projected to sit around 17°C, meanwhile the minimum will probably range between 4°C and 6°C until January 14. There is no instant relief, as a “cold blast” from the Himalayan region continues to drive icy winds into North India’s plains.
