On January 3, 2026, Delhi's minimum temperature stood at 8.1 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees above the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD issued a cold wave warning for isolated areas in New Delhi from January 3 to January 6. A cold wave occurs when the temperature drops 4.5 to 6.5 degrees below average. Details from IMD show minimum temperatures in key areas: Safdarjung at 8.1°C; Palam at 7.9°C, 0.9 above normal; Lodhi Road at 8°C, two degrees above normal; Ridge at 9°C, 1.3 above normal; Ayanagar at 6.9°C, 0.1 below normal. Relative humidity was high at 95% at 9 a.m. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 240 at 9 a.m. This level falls in the "poor" category. AQI ratings range from good (0-50) to severe (401-500). Residents are advised to take precautions due to poor air quality and chilly conditions.