Thu Jan 01 05:39:05 UTC 2026: News Article Summary:

New Delhi started 2026 with chilly and cloudy weather, including trace rainfall. The minimum temperature settled around 10.6° Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further drops in temperature from January 3rd due to cold winds from the Himalayas. Shallow fog was observed, reducing visibility in some areas. Air quality remains a concern, with an overall “very poor” rating and some stations recording “severe” pollution levels. The end of 2025 saw Delhi experience its coldest December day in six years.

News Article:

New Delhi Rings in 2026 with Cold Snap and Poor Air Quality

New Delhi, January 1, 2026 – The New Year dawned upon New Delhi with chilly, cloudy skies and a nip in the air. The minimum temperature settled at 10.6° Celsius, with trace rainfall recorded in the Palam area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts further temperature drops starting January 3rd, attributing the change to cold northerly winds sweeping down from the Himalayan region.

Visibility was affected by shallow fog in the morning, with some areas reporting visibility as low as 500 meters.

Adding to the woes, the city’s air quality remains a major concern. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at a “very poor” 371. Several monitoring stations reported “severe” air quality, with Sonia Vihar registering the worst AQI at 420.

The cold start to 2026 follows Delhi experiencing its coldest December day in six years on December 31st, 2025. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold and poor air quality.

Read More