Delhi shivers at 4.2°C: coldest day in 2 yrs, several flights delayed

Delhi woke up to its coldest morning of the season on Saturday as the minimum temperature plunged to 4.2 degrees Celsius, breaking the record set just a day earlier. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature was 2.7 degrees below the seasonal average, making it the lowest recorded in the last two years.

​The Safdarjung weather station, which represents Delhi’s official temperature, logged the sharp dip, while other parts of the city also witnessed intense cold. Palam recorded 4.5°C, Lodhi Road 4.7°C, Ridge 5.3°C, and Ayanagar 4.5°C, showing a uniform chill across the national capital. On Friday, Delhi had recorded 4.6°C, then the lowest of the season, which was surpassed within 24 hours.

​IMD officials attributed the prolonged cold spell to dense fog and chilly northwesterly winds, with no western disturbance expected until mid-January. Experts have also predicted that minimum temperatures may dip further to 3–4°C in the coming days, while maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 12–15°C.

​Adding to residents’ woes, dense fog engulfed the city, severely reducing visibility. Relative humidity touched 100% at 9 am, intensifying the cold and damp conditions. The foggy weather led to delays in several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, disrupting air travel throughout the morning.

​Air quality remained a major concern as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 366, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Visuals from across the city showed thick smog blanketing roads and residential areas during early hours.

​Meanwhile, the cold has pushed up electricity consumption in the capital. Delhi recorded a power demand of 6,087 MW, the highest-ever during the winter months, as residents relied heavily on heaters and other electrical appliances to stay warm.

​With temperatures continuing to fall, dense fog rising, and pollution levels remaining high, authorities have advised people, especially the elderly and children, to take precautions, avoid early morning exposure, and limit outdoor activities as much as possible.