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Delhi Freezes: Cold Wave Grips Capital
15 Jan
Summary
- Delhi experienced its coldest morning with temperatures dropping to 2.9 degrees Celsius.
- Cold wave conditions have persisted for four days and are expected to continue.
- Air quality remains in the 'very poor' category, with predictions of severe levels.
Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season on January 15, 2026, as temperatures at Safdarjung, the city's primary weather station, dropped to a frigid 2.9 degrees Celsius. This marks the lowest January minimum since 2023, highlighting the severity of the ongoing cold wave which has gripped the capital for the past four days and is expected to persist. Day temperatures have also remained unseasonably low across various city locations.
The cold wave conditions are forecast to continue, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert. While minimum temperatures are expected to gradually rise from January 17th to January 20th, accompanied by a possibility of light winter rain, another cold spell is anticipated between January 23rd and January 26th. Looking ahead, air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category and may even deteriorate to 'severe' by January 18th.
Adding to the winter woes, Delhi's air quality is a significant concern, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 349, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Pollution sources within the city are primarily attributed to transport, industries, and residential emissions. Air quality management systems predict that the AQI may worsen to severe levels in the coming days, with the outlook for the subsequent week showing oscillations between 'severe' and 'very poor' categories.
