The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant warning, forecasting an extended period of intense winter conditions across large parts of the country. In its All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released on the morning of January 2, 2026, the national weather agency detailed a multi-hazard scenario involving dense fog, cold waves, and precipitation that is expected to last for several days, impacting daily life and transport.
Regional Weather Disruptions: From Snow to Thunderstorms
The western Himalayan region, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, is likely to experience scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall on January 2. This activity poses risks of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and potential temporary disruptions in the hilly terrain.
Conversely, southern India is bracing for a different kind of disturbance. The IMD predicts isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) over Tamil Nadu on January 2. This is due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and a trough. Scattered rainfall is also expected over Tamil Nadu and the Nicobar Islands in the coming days.
Widespread Dense Fog and Intensifying Cold
A primary concern is the persistence of dense to very dense fog across northern, eastern, and central India. The IMD bulletin states that many places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi will experience these conditions during night and morning hours until January 6. Similar foggy conditions are forecast for Odisha until January 5, and for Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh until January 3.
The fog blanket will extend into central and eastern India, affecting Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the northeastern states—including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh—with varying durations up to January 9.
Adding to the chill, cold wave conditions are likely at isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh (Jan 2-5), Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi (Jan 2-6), and Rajasthan (Jan 4-7). Cold day conditions are also very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi on January 2, and over Bihar on January 2 and 3.
Advisory for Public Safety and Travel
The IMD has cautioned that the dense fog will significantly impact visibility, affecting operations at airports, and disrupting highway and railway routes. This is expected to lead to slower journey times and hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
The weather department has issued clear advisories for the public:
- Motorists should use fog lights, drive at safe speeds, and remain extremely alert.
- People are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak fog hours, especially in the early morning and late night.
- Use of protective measures like masks is recommended, and seeking medical attention is advised if respiratory or eye-related symptoms worsen.
As this severe cold spell tightens its grip, authorities urge residents to stay updated with the latest forecasts, plan travel carefully, and follow all official advisories to minimize health risks and daily disruptions.
