Weather Update: Cold wave tightens grip across India as dense fog disrupts daily life

India is witnessing intense winter conditions as a cold wave and dense fog spread from hill states to northern plains. An active western disturbance has triggered rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while fog and drizzle disrupted transport in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 2 January 2026, 7:31 AM IST

North India Shivers Under Severe Cold, Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued

New Delhi: The weather across the country turned harsh on the first morning of the New Year. From the hilly areas to the plains of North and Central India, severe cold prevailed. Dense fog disrupted normal life. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several states regarding cold wave and fog. Rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding mountainous regions have further aggravated the cold.

Increased activity due to Western Disturbance

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, an active Western Disturbance has moved from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan and reached Punjab and surrounding areas. Due to this, North India is overcast, with rain and snowfall being recorded in many areas. A cyclonic circulation has formed in the upper air surrounding Haryana, making the Western Disturbance more effective.

Snowfall alert in Himachal and Uttarakhand

According to forecasts, light to moderate rain and snowfall are likely in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on January 2 and 3, and snowfall in the higher reaches. Meanwhile, light rain and lightning are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

North India Covered in Dense Fog

The Meteorological Department has warned of fog and dense fog in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, eastern Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and western Uttar Pradesh for the next two days. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued due to very dense fog in some areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, and western Rajasthan.

Cold Wave Days Likely to Increase

Mrityunjay Mahapatra stated that cold wave days may exceed normal in central and eastern India this year. Vidarbha, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bihar are expected to experience one to three additional cold wave days in January. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be below normal.

Chill intensifies in Delhi-NCR and Punjab

Light drizzle in Delhi-NCR has further intensified the cold. Rain was also recorded in many parts of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. A cold wave is expected in Delhi until January 5th, and dense fog until January 6th.

Season's first snowfall in Himachal

Several high-altitude areas in Himachal Pradesh, including Dalhousie, Triund, Kufri, and Narkanda, have received the season's first snowfall. Due to the rain and snowfall, daytime temperatures have dropped by up to eight degrees, further intensifying the cold.