Delhi Experiences Unusual Dense Fog in March, Temperature Hits Lowest Since Feb 26

March 22, 2026

New Delhi: Several areas across Delhi-NCR were covered in a blanket of shallow fog on Saturday morning, giving the city a chilly, winter-like start to the day. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the lowest visibility recorded was 1,200 metres, observed between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. at Safdarjung and between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Palam.

Commuters were seen navigating through the dense fog near landmarks like Raj Ghat, creating challenging driving conditions in the early hours.

Temperature Drops to Lowest in Weeks

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 13°C, the lowest since February 26. This was 3°C lower than the previous day, 3.5°C below normal, and 3.9°C below the seasonal average, IMD data show. The fog gradually lifted as the day progressed, with the maximum temperature reaching 27.4°C.

According to IMD, this is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the last ten days of March in at least 15 years.

Causes of the Fog Explained

Experts have attributed the unusual fog to a combination of factors including recent rainfall, high atmospheric moisture, and calm overnight winds. An IMD official explained, “Shallow fog formation in late March is uncommon, but when sufficient surface moisture combines with clear skies at night, temperatures drop and condensation occurs, creating fog.”

Mahesh Palawat, president of Skymet Weather, added, “The recent rains increased humidity in the air. Combined with clear skies overnight, it led to condensation and fog across Delhi-NCR.”

Daytime Conditions Remain Pleasant

Despite the foggy morning, daytime temperatures were relatively pleasant compared to typical late-March weather. IMD data indicate that both maximum and minimum temperatures have remained below normal over the past few days, influenced by western disturbances and associated cloud cover.

Forecast and Weather Outlook

IMD forecasts similar weather over the next couple of days, with cool mornings and gradually rising daytime temperatures. While the intensity of fog is expected to reduce, shallow mist may still appear in isolated areas early in the morning.

A feeble western disturbance is predicted to affect northwestern India on March 26, though its impact on Delhi-NCR is expected to be minimal. By the last week of March, temperatures are expected to gradually rise, approaching or slightly exceeding seasonal averages, with largely dry conditions except for a possible light rainfall on Monday afternoon.

Seasonal Transition and Air Quality Concerns

March marks the transition from winter to pre-summer in north India. Such fluctuations in temperatures are common during transitional months when multiple weather systems interact. IMD officials noted that clear skies and rising temperatures are likely to dominate by the last week of March.

Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi showed slight deterioration due to calm winds and temperature inversions during early morning hours. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 119 on Saturday, in the “moderate” category, compared to 93 a day earlier. Experts noted that stagnant air trapped pollutants closer to the surface, contributing to the dip in air quality.