Chandigarh Witnesses Third Highest January Rainfall in 14 Years with 63.6mm Precipitation
The city of Chandigarh has recorded its third highest January rainfall in 14 years, according to the latest monthly report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city received 63.6mm of rain during January 2026, which represents a substantial 69% above the normal level of 37.6mm. This significant precipitation has placed Chandigarh firmly in the "excess rainfall" category for the month.
Historical Rainfall Comparison and Recent Dry Spells
When examining historical data, only two years in the past 14 have seen higher January rainfall in Chandigarh:
- 2022 recorded an exceptional 207.7mm of precipitation
- 2017 saw 137mm of rainfall during January
This year's rainfall stands in stark contrast to recent years that have been markedly drier. The city logged just 0.1mm in January 2024 and 22.6mm in January 2025, making the current year's precipitation particularly noteworthy.
Notable Temperature Swings and Weather Patterns
January 2026 also witnessed significant temperature fluctuations alongside the increased rainfall:
- The highest maximum temperature reached 26.3°C on January 23, marking the warmest January day in 15 years
- The minimum temperature dipped to 2.8°C on January 13, well below the month's average minimum of 6.7°C
The combination of cold conditions and increased moisture led to repeated dense fog spells across the region, significantly impacting visibility and daily activities.
Agricultural Benefits and Daily Disruptions
Meteorologists have noted that the excess rainfall has provided some positive agricultural impacts:
- Helped replenish soil moisture levels
- Contributed to groundwater recharge
- Benefited rabi crops during their growth phase
However, the persistent fog and cold days created substantial disruptions:
- Transportation systems faced regular challenges
- Daily activities were frequently interrupted
- Visibility issues affected road and air travel
Increasing Weather Variability in Recent Years
IMD officials have highlighted that these fluctuating rain and temperature patterns reflect a broader trend of increasing winter weather variability in recent years. The combination of extreme temperature swings and unseasonal precipitation patterns suggests changing weather dynamics in the region that warrant continued monitoring and study.
The January 2026 weather data from Chandigarh provides valuable insights into how urban centers in northern India are experiencing more pronounced weather extremes, with implications for agriculture, infrastructure planning, and daily life management during winter months.
