The national capital woke up to another cold and hazy morning on January 17, 2026, as minimum temperatures hovered around 4.4°C and dense fog and high pollution levels continued to impact daily life, health and transport services in the city and its surroundings.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury dropped significantly below seasonal norms, intensifying the winter chill and creating stable atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Cold Morning, Thick Fog and Poor Visibility
Early Saturday, parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were engulfed in dense to moderate fog, sharply reducing visibility on roads and at key transport hubs. Fog conditions like these are typical during the peak winter season when cool air, high humidity and calm winds combine to keep moisture and smog close to the surface.
- Minimum Temperature: ~4.4 °C
- Visibility: Often below 500 m in several localities
- Fog contributed to slower traffic flow and made early-morning travel challenging.
Flight Delays at IGI Airport
The dense fog and low visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport led to significant flight delays, with aviation sources reporting that more than 170 flights were delayed during peak morning hours.
Passengers have been urged to check the flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport, as low clouds and reduced visibility may continue to affect takeoffs and landings throughout the day.
Air Quality Stays ‘Very Poor’
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, with readings around 376, well above the safe threshold and harmful to sensitive groups including children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data:
- AQI was above 350 at most monitoring stations
- Some areas showed levels nearing the ‘severe’ category, indicating a serious health risk with prolonged exposure
Such poor air quality results from a combination of cold weather, stagnant air, dense fog and accumulation of particulates, making pollutant dispersion difficult.
The central government has implemented a graded response action plan (GRAP), imposing restrictions on construction sites, diesel-powered equipment and the use of buses that emit excessive particulate matter. In addition, authorities have increased monitoring of air quality and are enforcing stricter penalties on companies responsible for emitting excessive air pollution. The following health advice has been provided by healthcare experts:
– Avoid outdoor activities (especially for individuals at higher risk of developing a respiratory illness);
– Use either an air purifier or N95-type respirator/mask while outdoors;
– Hydrate frequently; and,
– Avoid high-particulate-matter-emitting locations during times when there is heavy air pollution.
Weather Update
Freezing and foggy weather conditions will persist for a short time, according to the India Meteorological Department; however, as the winds from the east become more prevalent, temperatures will begin to rise over the course of the next several days. Because of the stable atmospheric conditions, air pollution will remain at elevated levels and visibility will remain extremely limited.
In the capital city of India, Delhi, the combination of low minimum temperatures; foggy conditions causing flight delays; and extremely poor air quality on this day (January 17th, 2026) continues to create considerable challenges for residents and visitors alike during the winter months. Today was no exception, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi is registered in “very poor” territory, and visibility has been reduced on all major roads. Residents and travellers should practise caution and follow health advisories regarding air quality. Travel should be planned with consideration of current weather and flight status.
The northwestern winter pattern continues to prevail over Delhi, with cold-weather pollution episodes likely to persist until conditions improve (e.g., with increased winds and a rise in temperature) and continue to create significant air pollution and fog conditions across Delhi-NCR.
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