Northwest India Set for Fresh Rainfall and Snowfall Spell
The India Meteorological Department issued its latest weather update on Sunday. Northwest India will experience a fresh spell of rainfall and snowfall in the coming days. This includes Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast Details
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan during 22-24 January. Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh will see isolated to scattered, light to moderate rainfall or snowfall during 18-21 January.
The precipitation will intensify to fairly widespread to widespread levels during 22-24 January. Isolated heavy snowfall is expected over Kashmir-Ladakh and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on 23 January. Uttarakhand may experience similar conditions, with thunderstorms likely on 23-24 January.
Impact on Rabi Crops and Agricultural Advisories
Scientists say the winter precipitation could benefit rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, and barley. A senior scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research explained the impact on condition of anonymity.
"Winter rains generally have a mixed but largely positive impact on rabi crops, provided they are light to moderate and well distributed. For wheat, mustard, and pulses, winter rainfall is beneficial as it improves soil moisture, supports grain formation, and reduces the need for irrigation, especially in rainfed areas," the scientist said.
The IMD has issued agrometeorological advisories for farmers and livestock owners. This is due to low temperatures, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected in several states.
Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, East Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh received specific advice. They should apply light and frequent irrigation to standing crops during evening hours to protect them from cold stress.
In areas likely to witness thunderstorms or strong winds, farmers should provide mechanical support to horticultural crops. They should also stake vegetables and young fruit-bearing plants to prevent lodging and damage.
Temperature Trends Across India
Large parts of the country will get a respite from the cold in the coming days. Minimum temperatures will remain largely stable over the next four days. They will then gradually rise by 3-5°C in select regions, including Northwest India, over the subsequent three days.
The IMD forecasts largely stable minimum temperatures across most parts of the country. A gradual warming trend is expected in select regions thereafter.
- Maharashtra: Minimum temperatures will remain largely unchanged during the next 24 hours. They will increase by 2–4°C over the following four days, with no major change thereafter for the next two days.
- Gujarat and East India: These regions will witness a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C during the next three days. Temperatures will then stabilize for about four days.
- Central India: No significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over the next four days. A gradual increase of 2-3°C will follow during the subsequent three days.
- Remaining Parts: No significant change in minimum temperatures is forecast over the remaining parts of the country.
Fog Conditions and Recent Temperature Drops
Dense to very dense fog is very likely to persist across Northwest India and Bihar over the next two to three days.
Meanwhile, minimum temperatures dipped sharply across parts of north and central India in the past 24 hours till 08.30am on Sunday. The IMD reported cold conditions in several regions.
- Temperatures ranged between 1°C and 4°C at most places in Himachal Pradesh, some parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and at isolated locations in northwest Punjab and Uttarakhand.
- Many areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Southwest Bihar, North Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh, North Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand recorded minimum temperatures between 5°C and 9°C.
- The lowest minimum temperature over the plains was recorded at 1.7°C in Amritsar, Punjab.
Rabi Sowing Update for 2025-26
India's rabi sowing in 2025-26 rose by more than 1.76 million hectares to 64.42 million hectares as of 9 January. Data released by the ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare showed this increase.
The area under rabi crops is 2.8% higher than a year ago. It is above the season's average of 63.78 million hectares. Increased acreage under wheat, rice, pulses, and oilseeds mainly drove this growth.
