The national capital experienced one of its coldest mornings of the ongoing winter season on Thursday, January 8, as temperatures dipped sharply across the city. The minimum temperature at Delhi’s primary weather station in Safdarjung fell to 5.8 degrees Celsius, making it the third-coldest morning recorded so far this winter, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department.
The reading was 1.1 degrees below the seasonal average, intensifying the chill across the city during the early hours. Residents in several neighbourhoods were seen lighting bonfires, wearing layered winter clothing, and delaying morning routines as cold conditions gripped the capital.
Widespread Chill Across the City
Other meteorological observatories in Delhi also reported notably low temperatures, reflecting the widespread nature of the cold spell. The Palam weather station recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, which was 1.7 degrees below normal, placing it among the coldest readings of the season.
At Lodhi Road, the minimum temperature settled at 6.1 degrees Celsius, while both Ridge and Ayanagar recorded lows of 5.8 degrees Celsius, IMD officials said. These readings indicate a consistent cold pattern across central, southern, and western parts of the city.
No rainfall was recorded at any weather station in Delhi during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, ensuring that the cold was driven primarily by temperature drop rather than precipitation.
How This Winter Has Shaped Up So Far
While Thursday’s temperature was among the lowest of the season, Delhi has experienced colder mornings earlier this winter. The lowest minimum temperature so far was recorded on December 4 and 5, when the mercury dipped to 5.6 degrees Celsius. Another cold spell followed on December 1, when the minimum fell to 5.7 degrees Celsius.
With the latest reading of 5.8 degrees Celsius, Thursday ranks as the third-coldest morning of the 2025–26 winter season, underscoring the persistence of cold conditions across the region.
Meteorologists note that such temperature fluctuations are typical during north Indian winters, particularly when dry northwesterly winds and clear skies allow night-time heat to escape rapidly.
Cold Day Conditions Persist
In addition to cold mornings, Delhi has also been witnessing cold day conditions, characterised by lower-than-normal daytime temperatures. The city recorded its first cold day of 2026 on January 6, when the maximum temperature dropped to 15.7 degrees Celsius, which was 3.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature on that day stood at 7.6 degrees Celsius, around 0.7 degree below normal.
Cold day conditions continued on Wednesday, January 7. The maximum temperature reached only 16.7 degrees Celsius, about 2.3 degrees below average, while the minimum temperature fell to 8.6 degrees Celsius, or 1.7 degrees below normal, according to IMD data.
The combination of low daytime highs and sharp night-time cooling has made the cold more pronounced, particularly for people commuting early in the morning or late at night.
What Defines a Cold Day?
According to the India Meteorological Department, a cold day is declared when the minimum temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature remains between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees below the normal average for that time of year.
IMD officials said Delhi has met these criteria on multiple occasions over the past week, indicating a sustained cold phase rather than a brief temperature dip.
Forecast: No Immediate Relief
The IMD has warned that cold day conditions are likely to persist on Thursday as well. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 15 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain well below normal.
With dry weather conditions continuing and no western disturbance expected to bring cloud cover or rainfall in the immediate future, meteorologists say there is no immediate relief from the cold spell.
Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions, as prolonged exposure to low temperatures can pose health risks.
Winter Tightens Its Grip
As January progresses, Delhi typically experiences some of its harshest winter conditions. Weather experts note that while temperatures may fluctuate slightly from day to day, the broader trend suggests that cold mornings and chilly days are likely to continue for the near term.
For now, the capital remains firmly in winter’s grip, with early mornings marked by dense cold air, subdued sunshine, and temperatures well below seasonal norms.
