The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert, forecasting a prolonged spell of harsh winter conditions set to grip large parts of the country starting January 6, 2026. According to the All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin dated January 5, northern, central, and eastern regions will face severe cold, while southern states prepare for intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
Severe Cold Wave and Chilly Days Ahead
From January 6, isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are expected to experience cold wave conditions. The severity is predicted to persist, with Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan remaining under the cold wave's grip until at least January 9, and east Rajasthan until January 10.
Adding to the chill, cold day conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Gangetic West Bengal, and western Rajasthan on January 6. These conditions will continue over parts of Rajasthan and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on January 7.
The IMD anticipates a gradual fall in minimum temperatures across northwest India by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next four days (January 6-9). A similar drop is expected over central and eastern India on January 6 and 7, with no significant change forecast thereafter, indicating a sustained cold spell.
Widespread Dense Fog to Disrupt Travel
One of the most disruptive elements of this weather pattern will be dense to very dense fog during morning hours across multiple states. From January 6, isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are very likely to be affected. Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh may witness very dense fog until January 10.
Dense fog is also forecast for Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and western and eastern Uttar Pradesh for varying periods up to January 12. Eastern and northeastern states will not be spared, with dense fog likely over Bihar till January 12, Assam and Meghalaya till January 10, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura till January 10.
On January 6 alone, dense fog is expected in isolated pockets over numerous states including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. This widespread fog is expected to significantly impact road, rail, and air travel during early morning hours. Additionally, isolated pockets of Uttarakhand may experience ground frost on January 6.
Heavy Rainfall in South and Snow in Himalayas
While the north shivers, southern India is bracing for heavy rainfall. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall at isolated places over Tamil Nadu on January 8 and 9, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The intensity is set to increase, with heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe on January 9 and 10.
In the western Himalayan region, isolated light to moderate rainfall and snowfall is expected on January 6 over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, potentially causing temporary disruptions in higher-altitude areas.
The bulletin also warns of squally weather over sea regions. On January 6, squally winds with speeds of 35 to 45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast and over parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal. However, no fishermen warnings have been issued for January 10 and 11, suggesting an improvement in marine conditions after January 9.
