Delhi is set to continue its familiar winter pattern from Monday, January 5, with foggy mornings, chilly nights and only limited daytime warmth expected across the week. Weather officials say there is no major change in atmospheric conditions on the horizon, indicating that the capital will remain locked in stable winter weather for several days.
According to forecasts, most days will begin with clear skies, but dense fog is likely to form during the early morning hours, significantly reducing visibility across Delhi and the National Capital Region. Commuters travelling on highways, arterial roads and outer ring routes may experience slower traffic, prompting authorities to advise caution and early departures for office-goers and students.
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain subdued, ranging between 16°C and 20°C, offering only brief relief during afternoon hours. Night temperatures, however, are likely to dip further, with minimum readings expected to fall between 6°C and 9°C early next week. These conditions are expected to make late evenings and early mornings particularly cold.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Delhi, along with parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, until January 7. Residents living in open or low-lying areas may feel the chill more intensely as cold air settles overnight.
For January 5, 6 and 7, meteorologists predict a consistent pattern of clear daytime skies, shallow to moderate fog in the mornings and cold conditions through the night. With no strong western disturbance or weather system approaching northern India, these winter conditions are expected to persist well into the coming week.
Air quality remains a major concern alongside the cold weather. The Air Quality Early Warning System has indicated that pollution levels in Delhi are likely to stay in the “very poor” category over the next several days. Experts attribute this to weak wind speeds and stagnant atmospheric conditions, which prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively.
Authorities continue to urge residents to take precautions during peak pollution and fog hours, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. With winter firmly setting in, both weather and air quality are expected to remain challenging for the capital in the days ahead.