Weather conditions across the country are set to change once again. Due to an active western disturbance, intensified spells of rain and snowfall are likely over the hilly states, while alerts have also been issued for rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across the plains. Between January 22 and 26, heavy snowfall is expected over the Western Himalayan region. Weather activity may also extend from parts of North India to South India. Meanwhile, a gradual rise in minimum temperatures is expected in the coming days, which may provide some relief from the prevailing cold conditions.
On January 21, isolated to scattered light to moderate rain and snowfall is likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad. From January 22 to 26, widespread rain and snowfall are expected at many places across the Western Himalayan region. Heavy snowfall or rainfall is likely at isolated locations in the Kashmir Valley on January 22 and 23. Similarly, higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may witness heavy rain and snowfall on January 23.
During January 22 to 24, isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall is likely over Punjab, Haryana weather, Chandigarh and West Uttar Pradesh. East Uttar Pradesh may receive light to moderate rain on January 23 and 24, while similar rainfall activity is expected over Rajasthan on January 22 and 23.
On January 22 and 23, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–50 kmph) are likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, such weather conditions may persist from January 23 to 26.
Thunderstorm activity with strong winds is also expected over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and West Rajasthan on January 22 and 23; West Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan on January 23; and East Uttar Pradesh on January 23 and 24. On January 24, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain are likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
No significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over Northwest India during the next 24 hours; however, a gradual rise of 3 to 5°C is likely over the subsequent five days. Over Central India, minimum temperatures are expected to remain steady for the next two days, followed by an increase of 2 to 4°C over the next three days.
Maharashtra is also likely to witness no major change in minimum temperatures during the next 24 hours, but a rise of 2 to 4°C is expected over the following five days. No significant change in minimum temperatures is anticipated over the remaining parts of the country. Additionally, ground frost is very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand on January 21, 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What is causing the current weather change in India?
An active western disturbance is responsible for the rain, snowfall and thunderstorms.
Q2. Which regions will receive heavy snowfall?
The Western Himalayan region, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Q3. Will North India receive rainfall?
Yes, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are likely to receive light to moderate rain.
Q4. Are thunderstorms expected in South India?
Yes, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may experience thunderstorms on January 24.
Q5. Will cold conditions reduce in coming days?
Yes, a gradual rise in minimum temperatures is expected across several regions.
