- By Chetna Shree
- Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Weather Today: Residents of the national capital are facing a double whammy of extreme cold and hazardous air quality. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for today, January 12, forecasting cold wave conditions and moderate fog that will significantly reduce visibility during the early morning hours. Minimum temperatures are expected to plummet to a low of 2 degrees Celsius, while the daytime maximum is likely to reach 18 degrees Celsius under mainly clear skies.
The biting cold is compounded with hazardous air pollution, with Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 294 at 8 AM today. This poor air quality reading, combined with the freezing temperatures, has significantly impacted daily life and cripped air and rail traffic.
Delhi Weather Today: IMD Issues Orange Alert For Cold Wave, Morning Fog
- The Meteorological Department has placed the national capital on orange alert for today, January 12, forecasting cold wave conditions at many places and shallow to moderate fog during the morning hours.
- The minimum temperature is expected to drop to a low of 2 degrees Celsius, with fog likely to reduce visibility during the early morning hours.
- The orange alert remains in place for Tuesday, too, followed by a yellow alert for Wednesday.
- While weather conditions are expected to remain chilly, the weather department has not issued further alerts for the rest of the week.
Delhi Weather Forecast: Cold Wave And Moderate Fog To Persist
- Delhi is expected to experience cold wave conditions in the early part of the week, with minimum temperatures ranging between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius from January 12 to 14.
- These freezing temperatures will be accompanied by shallow to moderate fog during the morning hours. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.
- A gradual rise in temperature is anticipated from January 15 onwards, as minimum temperatures are expected to rise to 6-9 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures likely to reach 22-23 degrees Celsius.
- While skies will remain clear throughout the week, light winds and foggy mornings will continue to reduce visibility across the region.
Delhi AQI Today: Check Area-Wise Data
Delhi on Monday recorded an average Air Quality Index of 294 at 8 AM today, firmly within the "poor" category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Anand Vihar recorded a "very poor" AQI of 329, while the area near IGI Airport recorded slightly better air quality with a reading of 221.
Anand Vihar - 329
Bawana - 310
Dwarka - 324
IGI Airport - 221
ITO Delhi - 296
Jahangirpuri- 327
Mundka - 339
Narela - 270
Rohini - 308
Sonia Vihar - 304
Wazirpur - 312
Meanwhile, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 210, placing it in the "poor" category, while Noida saw a higher reading of 286.