New Delhi shivered through its coldest morning of the winter season on Saturday as the minimum temperature in Delhi plunged to 4.2 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The biting chill was accompanied by dense fog in Delhi, severely reducing visibility and leading to flight delays at Delhi Airport.

This marks the coldest morning of 2026 so far, colder than all previous days this winter season. The last time Delhi recorded such a low temperature was January 15, 2024, when the mercury dipped to 3.3 degrees Celsius, triggering an intense cold wave in Delhi.

Across the city, temperatures nosedived at major weather stations:

Safdarjung: 4.2°C

Palam: 4.5°C

Lodhi Road: 4.7°C

Ridge: 5.3°C

Ayanagar: 4.5°C

IMD has warned that dense to very dense fog in Delhi-NCR is likely to persist today, impacting air, rail, and road traffic.

Flights hit as dense fog covers Delhi

The heavy fog blanket may impact flight operations at IGI Airport Delhi. Airlines warned passengers of possible delays and cancellations as aircraft operate under CAT-III conditions.

IndiGo issued a travel advisory saying, "Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information or visit our official website. Please be assured that our on-ground officials are available across all terminals to provide necessary support."

Passengers travelling today are advised to check Delhi flight status before leaving for the airport.

Delhi AQI still ‘very poor’

As if the freezing temperatures and fog were not enough, the air quality in Delhi today remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the AQI touching 366 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Relative humidity was recorded at 100 percent, worsening smog conditions in Delhi.