- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:33 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Weather Update: On the first day of the New Year, severe cold gripped large parts of India. Dense fog and cold-wave conditions continued to disrupt life across the plains of North India, while the hilly states witnessed snowfall under the influence of a western disturbance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cold spell is likely to intensify over the next few days, with a sharp drop in minimum temperatures expected.
Delhi-NCR Weather
According to the IMD, dense to very dense fog prevailed in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh till December 31, while in eastern Uttar Pradesh, this effect continued till January 1. On the first day of the new year, dense fog covered Delhi-NCR in the morning, reducing visibility considerably. Light rain was also recorded at some places. Due to western disturbance, light to moderate snowfall and rain occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which may continue till January 1-2.
Weather experts said that as the western disturbance weakens, cold winds from the north will intensify, increasing the chill in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh. This effect could extend to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh from January 3-4, where cold wave conditions could develop. IMD has issued a cold day warning for several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Fog Situation In North India
Dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Odisha through the night and morning hours until January 5. This is expected to affect road, rail, and air traffic. In Delhi, the minimum temperature hovered around 10-12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 18-20 degrees. As per IMD forecast, the skies may clear after January 3, but the cold will intensify.
Rain is also expected in some areas of western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Although minimum temperatures may not drop significantly for a day or two due to fog and mist, the cold will intensify after the rain. Following this, cold winds blowing from the north will intensify, directly affecting Punjab, Haryana, and the National Capital Region (NCR). This will cause a rapid drop in minimum temperatures.
The winds are likely to reach Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh by January 3 and 4, potentially leading to cold wave conditions. IMD has issued a cold wave warning for several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during this period, which could last for a few days.