The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive alert for a significant spell of severe winter weather set to grip large parts of the country starting January 7, 2026. The adverse conditions, including cold waves, dense fog, ground frost, and heavy rainfall, are expected to persist through at least January 12, creating a sharp contrast in weather patterns between the northern and southern regions of India.
Northern and Central India Brace for Intense Cold
According to the IMD's All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin, cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places across north, central, and eastern India from January 7. On the first day, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Vidarbha are expected to be affected.
Simultaneously, cold day conditions will prevail at isolated places over Bihar, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of West Bengal and Sikkim. The chill will intensify on January 8, with cold waves continuing over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
By January 9 and 10, the cold wave is expected to linger over isolated parts of Rajasthan. The IMD has also warned of ground frost at isolated places over Uttarakhand. While conditions may ease in some areas after this phase, isolated pockets could experience harsh winter until mid-January.
Dense Fog to Disrupt Travel Across Multiple States
One of the most persistent hazards during this period will be dense to very dense fog, particularly during night and early morning hours, severely impacting visibility.
Till January 8, dense fog is very likely at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan.
On January 9 and 10, these conditions will persist over Bihar, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The IMD indicates that fog may continue through January 11 and 12 over Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, posing significant challenges for road, rail, and air travel.
Southern States on Alert for Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms
In a stark contrast, southern India is set to witness intense rainfall activity beginning January 9. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
This wet spell will continue on January 10, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, and heavy rainfall also expected over Kerala and Mahe. Thunderstorms with lightning will persist over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. On January 11, heavy rainfall is likely to continue at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, indicating an extended period of wet weather.
Rough Seas and Squally Winds Forecast
Marine weather conditions are also expected to deteriorate. On January 7 and 8, squally weather with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast, over many parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal, adjoining west-central and southeast Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar, and parts of the Comorin area.
On January 9, similar squally conditions are forecast along and off the Sri Lanka coast and the Tamil Nadu coast, extending across large parts of the Bay of Bengal. These conditions could pose risks to small and medium fishing vessels. However, the IMD has indicated that from January 10 onwards, there is no fishermen warning, suggesting a gradual improvement in marine conditions.
The IMD's warnings highlight a week of significant weather disruptions across India. Citizens, especially in the affected regions, are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts, take necessary precautions for health and travel, and heed all official advisories.
