January 2026 weather prediction: Will Delhi, Noida and Gurugram see more fog, cold nights or rain this winter?

January is expected to be a defining winter month for Delhi-NCR, with fog, cold mornings and limited rainfall likely to shape daily conditions.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions during January 1, 2 and 3, 2026 are likely to feature persistent low visibility in the early hours, cool nights and largely stable daytime temperatures.

While no severe cold wave has been flagged so far, the IMD has cautioned that prevailing winter conditions may continue to impact travel, air quality and day-to-day activities across the region.

Fog to Dominate Mornings, Says IMD

As per the IMD, moderate to dense fog is likely to persist during night and early morning hours across Delhi and surrounding regions through much of January.

Visibility may drop sharply between late night and mid-morning, particularly affecting highways and open stretches in Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. The IMD has noted that fog conditions may be more intense during the first half of the month.

Day Temperatures to Remain Near Normal

According to the IMD, daytime temperatures in January are expected to remain near or slightly above normal levels. Maximum temperatures are likely to range between the high teens and early twenties on most days.

However, the IMD has pointed out that frequent cloud cover in the early part of the month may limit sunshine, leading to cooler afternoons despite stable temperature readings.

Clearer skies are expected to become more common towards the latter half of January.

Cold Nights Likely in Early January

The IMD noted that minimum temperatures may remain on the lower side, particularly during the first two weeks of the month. High humidity levels may increase the chill factor during early morning hours.

Outlying areas are likely to experience colder conditions compared to central parts of the city, the department added.

Limited Rainfall Expected

As per IMD forecasts, January 2026 is likely to witness limited rainfall activity. Any rain is expected to be light and associated with weak western disturbances affecting north India.

The IMD has said that such weather systems may temporarily increase cloud cover and intensify fog conditions, especially during the morning hours.

Air Quality to Remain a Concern

While air quality forecasts fall outside IMD’s direct mandate, the IMD has noted that prevailing weather conditions are not favourable for the dispersion of pollutants. As a result, air quality levels may fluctuate between poor and very poor on several days.

Short-term improvement may be observed during windy spells or after light rain, the department said.