Delhi is shivering. Seriously. If you stepped outside at 5 AM today, you probably felt that sharp, needle-like chill that defines a North Indian winter. It’s not just "cold" in the way people from London or New York describe it; it’s that damp, bone-deep Delhi cold that settles into your marrow and refuses to leave, no matter how many layers of Uniqlo or local woollens you pile on.
As of early morning this Thursday, January 15, 2026, the current temperature in Delhi hit a seasonal low that caught many off guard. We're talking about a minimum of 2.9°C recorded at the Safdarjung observatory. Some pockets were even nastier. Palam dipped to 2.3°C, making it the coldest morning of the season so far.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
Honestly, the "feels like" factor is what’s killing us right now. While the mercury says 2.9°C, the high humidity (hovering around 71%) and the lack of direct sunlight in the early hours make it feel significantly worse.
Here is the quick breakdown of what the thermometers are saying right now:
- Morning Low: 2.9°C (Safdarjung) / 2.3°C (Palam)
- Expected Day High: Somewhere around 21°C
- Current Wind Speed: A sluggish 4 mph from the northwest
- Visibility: Basically zero in some spots, with Safdarjung reporting 100m earlier today
The northwest winds are the culprit here. They’re blowing in from the snow-clad Himalayas, acting like a giant, natural air conditioner that nobody asked for.
📖 Related: Typhoon Tip and the Largest Hurricane on Record: Why Size Actually Matters
Is This the "Cold Wave" Everyone Is Talking About?
Technically, yes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) doesn’t just throw that term around for fun. A cold wave is officially declared when the minimum temperature is at least 4.5 notches below the seasonal normal. When you’re hitting 2.9°C in mid-January, you’ve cleared that bar with room to spare.
It's kinda wild when you look at the stats. This is the lowest minimum temperature Safdarjung has seen since January 2023. Back then, it hit 1.4°C. We aren't quite there yet, but for anyone waiting for a bus or trying to catch a flight at IGI, the distinction is basically meaningless. It's just freezing.
The Visibility Nightmare at IGI
If you have a flight today, check your app. Now.
Fog has been a massive headache. Earlier this morning, visibility at Palam airport dropped to a measly 50 meters. That’s "can't see the car in front of you" territory.
Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have already put out advisories. Trains are also bearing the brunt, with the Karnataka Superfast and several others running at least an hour late because the drivers literally cannot see the tracks. It’s a mess, basically.
👉 See also: Melissa Calhoun Satellite High Teacher Dismissal: What Really Happened
Why the Pollution Isn't Helping
You've probably noticed the air feels... heavy?
The current temperature in Delhi is inextricably linked to our air quality. Cold air is denser. It acts like a lid, trapping all the dust, vehicular smoke, and construction debris right where we breathe it. This is why the AQI is currently sitting at a "Very Poor" 352.
In areas like Wazirpur and Dwarka Sector 8, the numbers have spiked even higher, touching nearly 390. When the air is this still—only 4 mph winds—there’s nothing to blow the gunk away. It’s a literal atmospheric trap.
Health Check: Don't Be a Hero
I know, you want to get that 10k steps in. Maybe don't do it at 6 AM.
Health experts from AIIMS and other local clinics are seeing a massive surge in respiratory issues this week. The combination of 2.9°C air and 350+ AQI is a nightmare for your lungs.
If you've got elderly parents or kids, keep them indoors until the sun actually manages to break through the haze. Usually, that’s not happening until 11 AM these days.
✨ Don't miss: Wisconsin Judicial Elections 2025: Why This Race Broke Every Record
What Happens Next?
The good news? This might be the peak of the "bone-chiller" phase.
Forecasters are pointing toward a "feeble western disturbance" (weather-speak for a bit of moisture and wind change) hitting the region by tomorrow, January 16.
What does that mean for you?
- Rising Temperatures: Night lows are expected to climb back to 6–8°C by Friday night.
- Shift in Wind: The freezing northwesterlies will likely swap for easterlies, which are slightly warmer.
- Potential Rain: There’s a chance of actual rain around January 22 or 23. While rain sounds annoying, it’s the only thing that will actually "wash" the sky and bring the AQI down to something manageable.
Survival Tips for the Next 48 Hours
Forget looking stylish. It’s all about the layers.
Thermal innerwear is a non-negotiable right now. If you’re riding a two-wheeler, a windcheater over your sweater is the only way to block those Himalayan winds.
Also, hydrate. We forget to drink water in the winter, but the dry air and heaters will dehydrate you faster than you think. And if you’re using a room heater, please, keep a bowl of water nearby or leave a door slightly cracked. The drop in oxygen levels and humidity in a sealed room can cause massive headaches.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your flight/train status at least 3 hours before departure; the fog is unpredictable.
- Limit outdoor exercise until the sun is fully out and the haze has lifted.
- Use an N95 mask if you’re commuting; the "Very Poor" air quality is currently more dangerous than the cold itself.
- Monitor the IMD "Mausam" app for real-time updates on the cold wave warnings which are currently at a "Yellow Alert" status.