The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued stark warnings for severe cold weather conditions gripping northern parts of the country, even as it predicts rainfall in the southern region. A combination of dense to very dense fog, cold wave, and frost is set to blanket several states over the coming days, significantly impacting daily life and travel.
Widespread Fog and Biting Cold Wave Conditions
According to the IMD bulletin dated January 3, 2026, a thick blanket of fog is likely to persist in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 7. Both West and East Uttar Pradesh will remain under similar conditions until January 5, with East Uttar Pradesh bracing for another spell on January 8 and 9. The national capital, Delhi, is also expected to experience foggy conditions.
The IMD has forecast a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C over Northwest India till Monday. This drop will intensify the cold wave. Cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on January 3 and 4; Punjab from January 4-6; Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi from January 3-6; and Rajasthan on January 8 and 9.
Other regions on alert for dense fog include Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Bihar. The IMD has placed a red warning for Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, urging administrations to take action. An orange warning is in effect for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha.
Travel Chaos and Flight Disruptions
The severe weather has already begun to wreak havoc on air travel. Major airlines reported significant disruptions on Saturday, January 3. IndiGo warned of potential cancellations in Dharamshala and operational impacts in Indore and Bhubaneswar due to low visibility. Air India indicated that operations in Delhi and Hyderabad could be hit, causing network-wide delays. SpiceJet also flagged likely disruptions in Darbhanga, Dharamshala, and Hyderabad.
The Airports Authority of India stated that reduced visibility at select airports in Northern India may lead to flight delays or extended holding times. Commuters have been advised to prepare for "dense to very dense" fog during the late night and early morning hours.
Rain Relief Forecast for Southern Regions
While North India shivers, the IMD has predicted some rainfall activity in the south. The weather office forecasts "scattered to fairly widespread rainfall activity over Tamil Nadu and Nicobar islands" in the coming days. This brings a contrasting weather pattern to the subcontinent, with dry and cold conditions dominating the north and central parts, and wet weather anticipated in the deep south.
Residents in the affected northern states are urged to take necessary precautions against the biting cold and plan their travel considering the likely delays and visibility issues caused by the persistent fog.
