Delhi-NCR residents ushered in the New Year on Thursday, 1 January 2026, grappling with a triple threat of severe air pollution, dense fog, and biting cold. The hazardous environmental cocktail disrupted daily life and prompted travel advisories, with little respite forecast.
Air Quality Stuck in 'Very Poor' Zone, Health Risks High
The capital's air quality remained firmly in the 'very poor' category on New Year's Day morning. Data from the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382, a level posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Meteorologists noted that the prevailing cold and foggy conditions have trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion and leading to a dangerous accumulation of fine particulate matter over the city.
IMD Forecasts Cloudy Skies, Light Rain, and Persistent Cold
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted a generally cloudy sky for Delhi-NCR on Thursday, with a chance of very light to light rain at isolated places. The weather agency also warned of moderate to dense fog in several areas during the morning hours.
The forecast extends the intense cold spell that marked the end of 2025. In fact, Wednesday, 31 December, was Delhi's coldest day since 2019, with the maximum temperature plunging to 14.2 degrees Celsius, a sharp 6.2 degrees below the seasonal normal. These cold day conditions, combined with high humidity and stagnant winds, have exacerbated public discomfort and contributed to the worsening air quality.
Flight Schedules Hit as Air India Issues Fog Advisory
The dense fog blanketing northern India has significantly impacted air travel. Air India issued a travel advisory cautioning passengers about potential disruptions to its flight schedules on Thursday morning due to low visibility conditions in and around Delhi.
The airline advised passengers to:
- Check their flight status before heading to the airport.
- Allow extra time for their journey.
Air India stated that it has taken proactive measures to minimise inconvenience, with ground staff on standby to assist travellers in case of delays, diversions, or cancellations. The advisory underscores the broader travel challenges posed by the severe winter weather in the region.
