New Delhi: The weather in the National Capital has taken a confusing turn. While mornings remain dangerously foggy, the days are becoming surprisingly warm. On January 20, 2026, Delhi recorded a morning AQI of 398, hovering just below the ‘Severe’ mark, but prompting authorities to maintain the strictest level of pollution control.
1. GRAP Stage-IV: No Relief Yet
Despite the AQI slipping slightly below 400 (Severe), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has not downgraded the restrictions. GRAP Stage-IV (Severe+) remains fully active to prevent a bounce-back in pollution levels.
- Truck Ban: Entry of trucks into Delhi is banned (except for essential commodities and LNG/CNG/BS-VI vehicles).
- LCV Restrictions: Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are prohibited, unless they are EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.
- Construction: The ban on construction and demolition activities is now total, extending even to linear public projects (highways, roads, flyovers, pipelines) which were previously exempt under Stage-III.
2. “Zero Visibility” Chaos: Flights & Trains Hit Hard
The impact of the morning fog was severe at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
- Flight Disruption: Unlike earlier reports of minor delays, latest data confirms that hundreds of flights were delayed, and several were diverted to Jaipur and Ahmedabad as Runway Visibility Range (RVR) dropped to zero between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM.
- Railways: Northern Railways reported that over 20 trains, including key Rajdhani routes, are running late by 3 to 6 hours.
3. Forecast: Foggy Mornings, Warm Days (No Cold Wave)
Contrary to “Cold Wave” fears, the IMD indicates that Delhi is actually experiencing above-normal temperatures during the day. Once the fog lifts by noon, the sun pushes the maximum temperature to a comfortable 23°C–25°C.
| Date | Forecast Condition | Min Temp | Max Temp |
| Jan 20 (Tue) | Dense Morning Fog / Sunny Afternoon | 7.0°C | 24°C |
| Jan 21 (Wed) | Moderate Fog / Clear Sky | 8.0°C | 23°C |
| Jan 22 (Thu) | Shallow Fog / Cloudy by Evening | 9.0°C | 24°C |
Rain Alert: “The warm days are a precursor to a Western Disturbance. Light rain is expected on January 23-24, which will likely clear the smog and bring the AQI down to the ‘Poor’ category.”
Critical Safety Advisory for Drivers
- Use Low Beams: Always use low-beam headlights and fog lights. High beams reflect off the fog moisture, creating a “white wall” effect that blinds you.
- NO Hazard Lights: Do not use hazard lights (double indicators) while driving. These are meant ONLY for stationary or broken-down vehicles. Using them while moving confuses drivers behind you, as they cannot tell if you are stopped or intending to turn.
- Lane Discipline: Stick to your lane and use road markings (white lines) as a guide, especially on the Yamuna Expressway where visibility is below 50m.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: GRAP Stage-IV is currently in force. The ban on diesel trucks and construction of linear public projects (like flyovers) is strictly active.
A: No. A “Cold Wave” is declared when day temperatures drop significantly. Currently, Delhi is seeing warm afternoons (Max 24°C), which is 3-4 degrees above normal.
A: Yes. The IMD predicts light rainfall on Friday, January 23, which is expected to wash away particulate matter.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Kitto City Desk | Source: IMD, CAQM & Delhi Airport Data (Jan 20, 2026).
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