New Delhi: The national capital continues to face “Cold Day” conditions as a thick blanket of fog impacted visibility across the city on Friday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for dense fog and cold wave conditions across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad for the next 48 hours. Icy northwesterly winds from the Himalayan region have intensified the chill, keeping the “real feel” temperature significantly low.
Temperatures Plummet as Icy Winds Sweep NCR
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the minimum temperature at the Safdarjung observatory settled at 4.0°C early this morning. This follows Thursday’s season-low of 2.9°C—the coldest morning in three years for the base station. Palam recorded an even sharper dip at 2.3°C, its lowest minimum for January in 20 years.
While visibility at Palam airport improved to 800 metres by 06:00 AM today, it had dropped to near-zero levels during the night, causing cascading delays for air and rail travellers. Official reports indicate that these conditions will remain severe through the weekend.
Relief Forecast and Commuter Advisory
Meteorological experts suggest that significant relief will arrive early next week. A fresh Western Disturbance is predicted to approach Northwest India on January 19, which is expected to shift wind directions and lead to a marginal rise in night temperatures.
Commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and the DND Flyway due to unpredictable fog pockets. Residents should limit outdoor exposure during peak cold hours.
Key Highlights Box:
- Temperature: Minimum recorded at 4.0°C (Safdarjung) and 2.3°C (Palam).
- Alert Level: Yellow Alert for fog and cold wave remains for Jan 16-17.
- Train Status: Over 20 north-bound trains (including Vande Bharat) delayed by 2 to 6 hours.
- Relief: Gradual warming expected after January 19 due to Western Disturbance.
FAQ Section:
A1: Yes. Per the Directorate of Education (DoE) calendar, Delhi government schools reopened on January 16. However, parents should check with individual private schools as some have adjusted timings or remained closed.
A2: Primarily north-bound trains from Punjab, Haryana, and J&K, including the Jhelum Express and Rajdhani routes, are facing delays of up to 6 hours.
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PART C: AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Sign-off: Reported by KittoNews Desk | Edited by Gowhar Nabi.
- Source Transparency: Information in this article is based on the Official IMD Weather Bulletin (Jan 16, 2026) and Northern Railway Traffic Reports.
- Disclaimer: Note: Weather conditions can change rapidly. Verify flight and train statuses from official portals before acting. KittoNews is not responsible for travel disruptions.
- Community Question: How is the cold wave affecting your daily commute in NCR? Let us know in the comments.
- Accountability Footer: Found an error or have a news tip? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
