IMD warns of rain and snow in western Himalayas, cold wave conditions in northern plains
The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain and snowfall across the western Himalayan region from January 27, 2026, along with cold wave and cold day conditions in parts of northern India. The advisory also flags the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and dense fog in isolated pockets, with another western disturbance expected around January 30.
Winter weather alert for January 27 and beyond
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast significant winter weather activity beginning Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with widespread rain and snowfall expected across the western Himalayan region. The bulletin also points to cold wave and cold day conditions likely in parts of the northern plains, alongside fog and storm-related hazards in some areas.
While the weather system is primarily a meteorological development, it has direct public health implications. Cold exposure can raise risks for older adults, young children and people with respiratory or cardiac conditions, while dense fog and storms can disrupt mobility and emergency response, increasing the chance of accidents.
Where rain, snow and storms are expected
According to the IMD bulletin cited in reports, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, is very likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on January 27, with activity continuing over Uttarakhand on January 28.
The outlook also flagged the possibility of isolated hailstorms over parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, west Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on January 27. Such events can cause localised damage and may affect livelihoods where agriculture and orchards are exposed.
Cold wave and dense fog: health and safety risks
The bulletin warned that cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab, and cold day conditions may prevail in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Dense fog is expected in isolated pockets across multiple north Indian states on select dates, potentially reducing visibility and affecting road, rail and air travel.
- Limit exposure during peak cold hours (late night/early morning), especially for children and elderly.
- Layer clothing and keep indoor spaces warm; watch for signs of hypothermia in vulnerable people.
- If fog is dense, avoid unnecessary travel; use headlights properly and reduce speed if driving.
More unsettled weather likely around January 30
IMD also indicated that another western disturbance is expected to approach northwest India from the night of January 30, suggesting that unsettled conditions could persist into the end of the month. Residents in affected regions are advised to track local warnings and follow state advisories for weather-related disruptions.