IMD Issues Winter Weather Alert for India from January 17 to 22, 2026
The India Meteorological Department has released a fresh weather bulletin predicting significant winter conditions across vast regions of the country. From January 17 through January 22, 2026, multiple weather phenomena will affect different parts of India simultaneously.
Rainfall and Snowfall Expected in Western Himalayan Region
Light to moderate rainfall and snowfall will occur at isolated to scattered places over the western Himalayan region. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will experience these conditions between January 17 and 22. This precipitation pattern represents typical winter weather for the region.
Isolated rains are also predicted over Punjab on January 18, 19, and 22. Haryana and Chandigarh will likely see isolated rains on January 19 and 22. Western Uttar Pradesh may experience isolated rains on January 22. All these rains will be light and may coincide with existing fog and cold weather conditions.
Western Disturbances are causing this weather pattern. These disturbances typically bring cloudiness, precipitation, and temperature variations to north India during winter months. They result in fresh instances of rain and snow in the hills along with light rains in certain plains areas.
Northeast Monsoon Withdrawal in Southern India
Meteorologists indicate that conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of northeast monsoon rainfall over southern India. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, and adjoining areas will see a significant reduction in rainfall activity during January 17 and 18.
This marks a seasonal transition toward drier winter conditions in these southern regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, and south interior Karnataka will also experience reduced rainfall during this period.
Temperature Changes Across Different Regions
Minimum temperatures are expected to show a gradual rise in many parts of the country after several days of cold conditions.
- Northwest and Central India: Minimum temperatures will likely rise by 2–4 degrees Celsius during January 17–19, with no significant change between January 20 and 23.
- East India: No significant temperature change is expected during January 17 and 18, but a gradual rise of 2–4 degrees Celsius is likely during January 19–21, with stabilization thereafter.
- Maharashtra: Minimum temperatures may increase gradually by 2–3 degrees Celsius during January 18–20, remaining largely unchanged through January 21–23.
- Gujarat: A similar gradual rise of 2–3 degrees Celsius is expected within the next 24 hours, including January 17, with no significant changes anticipated during subsequent days.
For the rest of the country, no major changes in minimum temperatures are expected during the forecast period.
Dense Fog to Disrupt Northern and Eastern Regions
Dense to very dense fog will remain a major concern across northern and eastern India, particularly during morning and night hours.
- Uttarakhand will experience dense to very dense fog until January 18, with dense fog persisting in isolated pockets until January 21.
- Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh will see dense to very dense fog in some parts until January 17, while dense fog will remain in isolated places until January 22.
- West Uttar Pradesh can experience dense to very dense fog conditions in many or some parts until January 19.
- East Uttar Pradesh will observe dense to very dense fog conditions until January 20, along with dense fog on January 21.
- Bihar will experience dense fog at isolated places between January 17 and 20.
- Assam and Meghalaya will experience dense fog until January 18.
- West Bengal and Sikkim will face dense fog conditions until January 19.
This persistent fog may significantly impact airport, highway, and rail transport. Delays and cancellations are likely. Travel through highways will become difficult. Reduced visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents, especially during early morning hours. The power distribution sector may also face difficulties with possible tripping incidents.
Cold Day and Cold Wave Conditions Continue
Cold day conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh on January 17. East Uttar Pradesh will experience cold day conditions on January 17 and 18.
Cold wave conditions will persist in isolated pockets across several states:
- On January 17: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha
- On January 17 and 18: East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
The combination of these weather conditions—rainfall, snowfall, fog, and cold waves—will affect various sectors including transport, health, agriculture, and daily activities across multiple Indian states during this six-day period.
