The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning for the first week of 2026, predicting a widespread and persistent spell of dense fog and cold conditions across large swathes of northern and eastern India. The weather office forecasts that a thick blanket of fog will severely reduce visibility, with cold day and cold wave conditions adding to the winter chill in several states.
State-Wise Fog Alert: A Detailed Forecast
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the foggy conditions are not uniform and will affect different regions on varying dates. The weather department has provided a detailed timeline for the anticipated dense to very dense fog.
The northernmost regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad are likely to experience isolated dense fog until January 4. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also in the grip of this weather phenomenon, with alerts active from January 2 to 5 and until January 5, respectively.
The plains of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and the national capital Delhi, have been warned of dense fog specifically on January 7 and 8. Rajasthan is expected to face similar conditions on January 4.
In East and Central India, the forecast indicates dense fog in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh until January 8. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh should prepare for reduced visibility on January 3. Eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern regions may see fog until January 6, while Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are under alert from January 2 to 5.
Cold Day and Cold Wave Conditions to Grip Regions
Alongside the fog, the IMD has predicted severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets. Cold day conditions are expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on January 1, followed by Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on January 2. Bihar is likely to experience these conditions from January 1 to 3.
More severely, the weather office has also issued a cold wave warning for specific areas. Isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh may shiver under cold wave conditions from January 1 to 4. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are on alert for a cold wave between January 2 and 5. Rajasthan is also expected to face cold wave conditions from January 4 to 7.
Impact and Precedents
The warning comes on the heels of recent disruptions caused by similar weather. On New Year's Eve, blinding fog crippled Delhi and other parts of north India, causing visibility to plunge dramatically. This severe fog directly impacted flight operations, leading to delays and cancellations, a scenario that may repeat in the coming days as per the IMD forecast.
Residents across the affected states are advised to exercise caution while traveling, especially during night and morning hours when the fog is at its densest. The twin threats of low visibility and biting cold waves necessitate preparedness to mitigate health risks and travel inconveniences.
