According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a noticeable change in weather conditions is expected across several parts of the country in the coming days. Cold weather will continue to dominate North, East and Central India, with dense fog and cold wave conditions persisting, while hilly regions are likely to witness rain and snowfall. IMD has issued an alert stating that the next seven days will be particularly challenging due to dense to very dense fog, cold day conditions and cold wave spells in many regions.
As per IMD, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh weather, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha are likely to experience the maximum impact of fog. Many areas in these states may witness persistent very dense fog. In recent days, visibility dropped to zero metres in cities such as Udhampur in Jammu, Amritsar in Punjab, Agra and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, severely disrupting road and rail traffic.
Light rain and snowfall are expected over parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad on January 5 and 6, 2026. Himachal Pradesh may also experience isolated rain or snowfall on January 6, according to the weather department.
IMD has indicated that cold day conditions are likely in Uttarakhand today, while Bihar may experience cold day conditions from January 3 to 5. A cold wave warning has been issued for Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till January 7. Western Rajasthan is expected to remain under cold wave conditions from January 5 to 8, while eastern Rajasthan may face similar conditions from January 4 to 8.
Dense to very dense fog is likely to continue across many parts of North and East India. Morning and night-time fog is expected over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till January 7, over West Uttar Pradesh till January 5, East Uttar Pradesh till January 8 and Odisha till January 6. Fog may also affect parts of the Jammu division, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal till January 6. In addition, foggy conditions may persist over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till January 8, Bihar till January 9 and Madhya Pradesh till January 7.
IMD forecasts that minimum temperatures over Northwest India may fall further by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days. Central India could see a drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days. Eastern India is not expected to see any significant temperature change immediately, but colder conditions may gradually intensify thereafter. Gujarat, however, may witness a slight rise in minimum temperatures in the coming days.
Cold Conditions to Continue in Delhi-NCR: According to IMD, cold weather conditions will persist in Delhi and the National Capital Region as well. Dense fog during morning hours may significantly reduce visibility. While there may not be a major fluctuation in temperatures, cold winds will make the chill more intense. Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously and maintain reduced speeds, especially during early morning hours.
FAQs:
Q1. Which states will be most affected by dense fog?
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Odisha are likely to see very dense fog.
Q2. When is snowfall expected in hilly regions?
Snowfall is expected on January 5 and 6, 2026, in Jammu & Kashmir and nearby areas.
Q3. How long will the cold wave continue?
Cold wave conditions may persist in some regions till January 8, as per IMD.
Q4. Will Delhi-NCR experience severe cold?
Yes, cold conditions with dense morning fog will continue in Delhi-NCR.
Q5. Why is this IMD weather alert important for farmers and traders?
Fog, cold wave, and snowfall can impact crops, transport, and market arrivals, making updates crucial for users of Khetivyapar.
