Severe Cold and Fog Disrupt Life in Delhi-NCR

Impact of Fog and Cold Weather in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: On Tuesday morning, dense fog and biting cold once again affected daily life in the Delhi-NCR region. Visibility was significantly reduced, causing vehicles to crawl along the roads, while delays were reported in both air and rail traffic. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for moderate to dense fog over the next few days, along with predictions of further drops in minimum temperatures.

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi this morning was recorded in the 'poor' to 'very poor' category. According to various sources, the average AQI ranged between 240 and 310, raising health concerns. Data from the pollution control board indicated that certain areas, such as Anand Vihar and RK Puram, saw AQI levels surpassing 300. The combination of fog and low wind speeds has trapped pollutants in the air, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Experts have advised sensitive individuals to wear masks when going outside.

Due to the fog, several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced delays or cancellations. Airlines have urged passengers to check their flight statuses. Additionally, many trains were running hours late, causing inconvenience for travelers. The cold wave and thick fog also affected several areas in Haryana, including Rewari district, where minimum temperatures were recorded significantly below normal.

According to the IMD, the cold wave and fog conditions in North India may persist until January 8. Minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 7-9 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures could reach 18-20 degrees. Moderate fog is likely in the mornings, with mist expected at night. Authorities have advised travelers to exercise caution and wear warm clothing.