Dense Fog Shrouds Delhi-NCR Amid Cold Wave, Several Flights Delayed

Cold wave conditions continued to grip Delhi-NCR on Friday, with dense fog enveloping large parts of the national capital and significantly reducing visibility. The thick fog also disrupted air travel, with several flights delayed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport during the early morning hours.

Visuals from key locations, including AIIMS, India Gate, Akshardham, the New Delhi Railway Station, and the Delhi–Noida–Delhi (DND) flyway, showed reduced visibility as iconic landmarks and major transport corridors disappeared behind a blanket of fog. Commuters faced difficulties navigating roads, while rail passengers also experienced delays due to poor visibility.

VIDEO | Delhi: The national capital witnesses dense fog amid prevailing

intense cold conditions. Visuals from Akshardham Temple area.#Delhi #WeatherUpdate #ColdWave

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/uEKDddkiRt

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2026

Cold Wave Conditions In Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’

Cold wave conditions extended beyond Delhi, affecting adjoining areas as well. Dense fog was reported in Ghaziabad’s Raj Nagar Extension and in Karnal district of Haryana, indicating the widespread impact of the prevailing weather system across the region.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 346 on Friday morning, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, down from Thursday’s 352.

On Thursday, several areas in the city witnessed “very poor” air, including Anand Vihar with an AQI of 345, Ashok Vihar (376), ITO (380), and RK Puram (383). Patparganj reported 381, Wazirpur 385, Chandni Chowk 384, and Dwarka Sector 8 recorded 389, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data as of 8 am on Thursday.

On Thursday, early morning temperatures in the city dipped to around 5 degrees Celsius, India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed. Several flights were delayed at IGI Airport due to reduced visibility caused by fog yesterday.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

The national capital has been experiencing severe winter conditions this week, with foggy mornings becoming a regular occurrence and cold wave conditions reported across several locations. Meteorological authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, particularly during early morning and late-night hours, as cold wave conditions are expected to persist, potentially affecting travel and daily routines in the capital.