Residents of the national capital braced themselves against a severe chill on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the minimum temperature plunged to a biting 4 degrees Celsius. Dense fog enveloped large parts of the city, drastically reducing visibility and marking the onset of a persistent cold spell predicted by weather authorities.
IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert for Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially forecast that cold wave conditions will prevail over Delhi on January 12 and 13. Isolated areas are likely to experience these harsh conditions on January 14 as well, with a gradual reduction expected thereafter. The morning chill was intense, with the temperature recorded at 5.4 degrees Celsius at 8:30 am.
According to the Environmental Weather Service (EWS), the preceding 24 hours saw a partly cloudy sky with mist and haze at night. Surface winds primarily originated from the west, reaching speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour.
Detailed Weather Forecast and Air Quality Deterioration
The IMD's day-by-day forecast presents a grim picture of the ongoing cold wave. For January 12, the sky will be mainly clear but cold wave conditions will affect a few places. Shallow to moderate fog is anticipated in the morning. Temperatures will swing between a maximum of 18 to 20°C and a minimum of 2 to 4°C. Both minimum and maximum temperatures will remain significantly below normal.
On January 13, minimum temperatures will stay below normal, while maximums will be near normal. The pattern continues on January 14 with a partly cloudy sky and morning fog. The mercury is expected to range from 3 to 5°C at night to 19 to 21°C during the day.
Compounding the weather woes, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'Poor' category with an AQI of 294. The IMD has warned that the air quality is likely to deteriorate further into the 'Very Poor' category from January 12 to 14, creating a double health hazard for citizens.
Health Risks and Essential Advisory
Meteorologists have issued a stern health advisory, highlighting the compounded dangers of dense fog and poor air quality. The fog carries pollutants and fine particulate matter that, when inhaled, can lodge deep in the lungs. This reduces lung capacity and can trigger increased episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis are at heightened risk, as exposure can severely aggravate symptoms. The pollutants can also irritate the eyes, leading to redness, swelling, or infections.
Authorities strongly advise citizens to:
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
- Wear protective masks (N95/KN95 recommended) when going outside.
- Take necessary precautions to shield eyes and the respiratory system.
- Stay updated with official forecasts from the IMD.
The combination of low temperatures, dense fog, and deteriorating air quality demands heightened vigilance from all Delhi residents until the cold wave subsides later this week.
