Dense fog grips New Delhi as air quality worsens
With cold wave conditions persisting, dense fog blanketed Delhi, cutting visibility and causing flight delays at the IGI airport.
Dense fog blanketed the national capital early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, as a continuing cold wave tightened its grip on Delhi, sharply reducing visibility and disrupting daily life across the city. The thick layer of fog, combined with freezing temperatures and poor air quality, made for a harsh start to the day for residents, commuters and travellers alike.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 4.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.2 degrees below the seasonal average. The cold conditions were intensified by high moisture levels in the air, with relative humidity touching 100 percent at 9 a.m. Meteorologists said such conditions are ideal for the formation of dense fog, particularly during the early morning hours.
Visibility across several parts of the city was severely affected, especially in open areas and along major roads. Motorists were forced to slow down, while traffic police urged drivers to use fog lights and maintain safe distances. In some pockets of Delhi, visibility fell to near-zero levels, making early-morning travel both difficult and hazardous.
The foggy conditions also led to disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where several flights were delayed due to poor visibility. Airport authorities confirmed that low-visibility procedures were in place, and passengers were advised to check flight schedules before heading to the airport. While no large-scale cancellations were reported, delays caused inconvenience to hundreds of travellers, many of whom faced long waits amid the cold.
Weather officials said the maximum temperature during the day is expected to reach around 22 degrees Celsius, offering some relief later in the afternoon. However, they cautioned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next few days, particularly during night and early morning hours. Similar weather patterns have been observed across parts of north India, with several neighbouring states also experiencing fog and low temperatures.
Adding to the discomfort was Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 376 at 9 a.m. on Saturday, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category. At such levels, prolonged exposure can cause respiratory discomfort, especially among children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
The CPCB classifies AQI readings between 0 and 50 as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’. With Delhi’s AQI hovering close to the ‘severe’ threshold, doctors have advised residents to limit outdoor activity, particularly during the morning hours when pollution levels tend to be higher.
Environmental experts say the combination of cold temperatures, calm winds and high humidity has trapped pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality. The dense fog further compounds the problem by preventing dispersion of particulate matter. “Winter creates a perfect storm for pollution in Delhi,” an environmental scientist explained.
Residents across the city described the morning as particularly challenging. Office-goers and students stepping out early wrapped themselves in layers of woollens, scarves and masks, trying to shield themselves from both the cold air and the pollution. Morning walkers, a common sight in Delhi parks, were largely absent as many chose to stay indoors due to health concerns.
Hospitals have reported a seasonal uptick in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, sore throats and eye irritation. Doctors have reiterated the importance of wearing masks, staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise during periods of high pollution. Parents have also been advised to keep young children indoors, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. While emergency pollution-control measures are already in place under existing guidelines, officials have said further steps could be considered if air quality deteriorates further. Traffic restrictions, dust-control measures at construction sites, and checks on industrial emissions remain part of the city’s winter pollution response.
For now, Delhi residents are bracing themselves for more cold, foggy mornings ahead. With winter still in full swing, the coming days are expected to bring similar conditions, making visibility issues, travel disruptions and health concerns an unfortunate part of daily life in the capital.