A thick layer of fog enveloped the national capital on Monday, significantly reducing visibility across several areas. Visuals from the ITO area showed dense fog lingering through the morning as cold wave
conditions continued to grip Delhi.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area was recorded at 434, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. In view of the deteriorating air quality, restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV have been implemented in the city.
A thick layer of dense fog was observed in other parts of the national capital, including Rafi Marg and other regions. The AQI in the area was recorded at ‘417’ in the ‘severe’ category.
#WATCH | Delhi | Dense fog engulfs several parts of Delhi NCR. Visuals from the area near Rafi Marg.
AQI in the area was recorded at ‘417’ in the ‘Severe’ category, as claimed by CPCB. Restrictions under GRAP-4 have been implemented. pic.twitter.com/YmnXftvAcF
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2026
Meanwhile, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was recorded at 418 on Monday morning, falling in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per AQI classification, readings between 0 and 50 are considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
Flight Services Hit
The prevailing weather conditions also affected air traffic. A few flights were delayed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport due to low visibility caused by fog, officials said.
Cold wave conditions are expected to persist as Delhi continues to experience harsh winter weather.
#WATCH | Delhi | As cold waves grip the national capital, few flights are delayed at IGI Airport due to fog.
(Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport) pic.twitter.com/VOHd7QALK2
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2026
For Delhi NCR, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky, with moderate fog expected at several places and dense fog at isolated locations during the morning hours.
The minimum temperature is likely to hover between 7 and 9 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, which is significantly above normal. Northeasterly winds are expected to be light in the morning and may pick up slightly by the afternoon.
