IMD issues multi-state alert as western disturbance to bring snow, hailstorms and rain from Jan 26
The India Meteorological Department has warned of a fresh spell of unsettled weather from January 26, driven by a western disturbance. IMD flagged heavy snowfall/rain at isolated places in parts of the western Himalayas, hailstorms and thunderstorms in hill states and adjoining plains, and gusty winds over southern coastal waters.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-state alert warning of a fresh spell of unsettled weather from January 26, 2026, as a western disturbance begins influencing large parts of north, northwest and central India. The system is expected to bring rain, snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds and shifting temperatures over several days.
According to the IMD bulletin cited in the report, the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains are expected to see the most active phase around January 27 and January 28, with heavy rainfall or snowfall likely at isolated places in parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Hailstorms and thunderstorms are also expected in multiple pockets across hill states and nearby plains.
What to expect day-by-day
- January 26: Deteriorating weather begins in several areas; thunderstorms at isolated places in parts of the south (including Kerala and Mahe), dense fog risk in west Uttar Pradesh, and rough sea conditions flagged over southern waters.
- January 27: Peak impact projected, with heavier snow/rain in parts of the western Himalayas; hailstorms and gusty winds expected in several regions, including some adjoining plains.
- January 28: Gradual weakening expected, but storms, gusts and scattered wet weather may continue in parts of north India; marine conditions remain unfavourable over some southern stretches.
The bulletin also warned that dense to very dense fog could persist in pockets of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on January 25 and January 26, alongside isolated cold wave conditions in parts of north and northwest India. From a health and safety standpoint, such conditions raise risks ranging from road accidents and exposure-related illness to disruptions in emergency response and essential supplies in hill districts.
IMD-linked travel advisories in the report flagged possible disruptions to road connectivity and tourism in mountain areas due to snow and hail, and cautioned that thunderstorms and fog could impact flight schedules, trains and highway travel in parts of the plains as well.