The Delhi National Capital Region continued to experience winter weather conditions on January 21, 2026, as the India Meteorological Department issued a Yellow Alert for shallow to moderate fog during early morning hours. The advisory warns of reduced visibility across parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad, particularly during morning commute hours, while daytime conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy and largely stable.
According to IMD forecasts, minimum temperatures in the region hovered between 7 and 9 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures are likely to reach 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. Light winds of 5 to 10 kilometres per hour are supporting fog formation during early hours, with visibility dropping to 200–500 metres in isolated pockets, especially near highways and airport zones.
Visibility drops disrupt transport as commuters urged to remain cautious
Dense fog caused temporary disruptions to rail and air services in the region. Several trains on northern routes, including the Patiala–Delhi corridor, were delayed by up to 45 minutes due to low visibility. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility levels dipped to around 700–800 metres before improving later in the morning, allowing flight operations to stabilise. Delhi Metro services remained unaffected, operating on schedule as visibility improved after sunrise.
Traffic police and weather officials have advised motorists to use fog lamps, reduce speed and maintain safe distances, particularly on major routes such as NH-48 and arterial roads connecting satellite towns to the capital.
Rain and thunderstorms expected on January 23, air quality remains a concern
The IMD has also forecast the influence of a western disturbance later in the week, with light rain and isolated thunderstorms expected on January 23. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kilometres per hour may accompany the system, bringing temporary relief from fog but also causing a marginal drop in temperatures following the rainfall.
Meanwhile, air quality across Delhi NCR continues to fluctuate between moderate and poor categories. Persistent fog combined with vehicular and industrial emissions has led to elevated PM2.5 levels, prompting health officials to report an increase in respiratory complaints, especially among children and the elderly.
Meteorologists expect foggy mornings to continue over the next few days, with conditions gradually improving after rainfall later this week. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during early hours and limit prolonged outdoor exposure amid ongoing pollution concerns.