City records season’s coldest morning
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees Celsius, which was 2.7 degrees below the season’s average and this season’s lowest. The previous coldest January day in recent years was recorded on January 15, 2024, when the minimum temperature had plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius, triggering cold wave conditions across the national Capital. Fog reduced visibility in the morning in some other places in Delhi and NCR, prompting the airlines to issue an advisory.
Station-wise data showed that the minimum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 4.2 degrees Celsius, Palam recorded 4.5 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road reported 4.7 degrees Celsius, and the Ridge station registered 5.3 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar also recorded 4.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a sharp dip across Delhi’s weather stations.
The third-lowest minimum temperature of the current season was recorded earlier on December 4 and December 5 last year, when the mercury had settled at 5.6 degrees Celsius, followed closely by December 1, when the minimum temperature stood at 5.7 degrees Celsius.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport administration in New Delhi has issued a passenger advisory regarding delays in flight operations due to dense fog in the region. According to the advisory, CAT III conditions remain in effect, and all airlines have been asked to remain in contact with airport authorities for the latest updates.” Due to persistent dense fog, flight operations continue to remain under CAT III conditions, which may result in flight delays. For the most up-to-date flight information, we request you to contact your respective airlines or visit our website. Our teams are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding,” the advisory said.
The air quality was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category at 9 am on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 366, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
Delhi recorded the highest annual average PM10 concentration in the country in 2025 at 197 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly three times higher than the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, according to an analysis.
The Capital exceeded the PM10 standard on 285 days during the year, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in its analysis.
