New Delhi, January 17, 2026: Delhi AQI today reached 376, categorised as very poor, while dense fog reduced visibility and caused widespread flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The minimum temperature dipped to 4.4 degrees Celsius, intensifying cold wave conditions across the national capital.
Delhi Minimum Temperature Drops to 4.4°C
The India Meteorological Department recorded Delhi minimum temperature at 4.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, 3.2 degrees below the seasonal average. This marks a slight rise from earlier in the week but still qualifies as cold wave conditions in several areas. Humidity levels stood at 100 per cent by 9 AM, contributing to the thick fog that blanketed the city.
Safdarjung Observatory, the primary weather station, reported the low, with variations across stations: Ayanagar at 4.3 degrees Celsius and other spots ranging from 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 22 degrees Celsius later in the day. The fog, with visibility dropping to 150 metres at Palam and Safdarjung airports early on, has persisted despite the marginal temperature increase.
These conditions follow a week of severe cold, where Delhi minimum temperature hit a seasonal low of 4.2 degrees Celsius earlier. The India Meteorological Department attributes the chill to north-westerly winds and clear skies, which allow rapid heat loss overnight. Residents in low-lying areas and slums have faced heightened challenges, with reports of increased reliance on bonfires for warmth.
Delhi Flight Delays Widespread Due to Fog
Dense fog led to significant Delhi flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airport authorities advised passengers to contact airlines for updates, as operations were intermittently affected. Over 60 flights experienced delays by mid-morning, with some cancellations reported, including an Indigo service to Chandigarh.
Visibility at the airport hovered between 150 and 300 metres during peak early hours, forcing pilots to rely on low-visibility procedures. Road and rail traffic also suffered, with slowdowns on major highways like the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. The airport operator noted that while Category III runways were operational, the fog’s density caused cascading delays.
This disruption highlights vulnerabilities in northern India’s transport network during winter. Delhi serves as a key hub for domestic and international flights connecting South Asia, and such delays ripple across routes to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Delhi AQI Today: GRAP Stage III Invoked
In a Delhi pollution update, the Central Pollution Control Board data showed an overall AQI of 376 at 9 AM, up from 354 the previous day. Several monitoring stations reported higher readings: Anand Vihar at 350, Ashok Vihar at 385, and ITO crossing 402, entering the severe category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region on Friday. This includes a nine-point action plan enforced by pollution control boards, such as intensified mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling on dust-prone areas, and restrictions on certain construction activities. Measures under Stages I and II remain in force, including bans on coal and firewood in eateries.
Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate Delhi pollution update could worsen to severe levels by January 18 due to slow wind speeds and stable atmospheric conditions. Variable winds at 5-15 kmph fail to disperse pollutants, trapping PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
Background: Ongoing Winter Challenges in Delhi
Delhi’s winter woes are recurrent, driven by a mix of meteorological factors and anthropogenic sources. Vehicle emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning contribute significantly to pollution spikes. This year, the cold wave has exacerbated the issue, with inversion layers preventing pollutant dispersion.
Government data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows AQI trends rising since mid-January, from 237 on January 4 to peaks over 400 in recent days. Health experts warn of increased respiratory issues, especially among children and the elderly. Hospitals in Delhi have reported a 20 per cent surge in asthma and bronchitis cases linked to poor air quality.
The regional impact extends beyond Delhi. Neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh share similar conditions, affecting agriculture and cross-border trade. South Asia’s interconnected air sheds mean pollution from Delhi influences air quality in Lahore and Dhaka, underscoring the need for transnational cooperation.
What’s Next: Monitoring and Potential Relief
Authorities will monitor Delhi AQI today and tomorrow closely. If levels breach 400 consistently, further curbs may apply. A weak western disturbance could bring light rain by January 20, potentially improving dispersion, but forecasts remain uncertain.
Residents are urged to minimise outdoor activities, use public transport, and adhere to GRAP guidelines. Long-term solutions, including expanding electric vehicle adoption and green infrastructure, are under discussion in government reviews.
Delhi AQI today underscores the urgent need for sustained action to combat these seasonal hazards.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 17th, 2026
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