Triple Strike Of Adverse Weather Over North India: Cold Wave to Intensify
Key Takeaways
- North India has been hit by simultaneous snowfall, rain, cold wave, and fog since New Year’s Eve.
- Heavy snowfall in the Himalayas has intensified severe cold, especially during Chillai Kalan in Kashmir.
- Winter rains have spread across plains from Punjab and Haryana to Rajasthan, Gujarat, and central India.
- Frigid winds and dense fog may disrupt rail, road, and air travel over the next few days.
Bad weather conditions pounded the plains and hills of North India simultaneously. Cold wave, fog, and snowfall–rainfall struck together across the entire region, starting on New Year’s Eve and extending into the early days of 2026. The first two days, 01st and 02nd January 2026, trampled mountains and meadows alike with punishing weather conditions. Further intensification lies ahead, with little chance of any relief.
[Check your local weather forecast here]
The Kashmir Valley, located between the Pir Panjal Range and the Himadri Range of the Greater Himalayas, has been lashed with snowfall, quite heavy over the higher reaches. Poonch district in the Jammu division has also witnessed snowstorms and blizzard-like conditions over the past 36 hours. Severe cold has gripped the entire region, intensifying Chillai Kalan, the harshest winter period for the Valley. Parts of the tribal districts of Lahaul–Spiti in Himachal Pradesh have also recorded snowfall, bringing cheer to tourists and locals alike. Fresh snow has blanketed Koksar, Shinkula, Zanskar–Sumdo, the Atal Tunnel, and the Rohtang region.
The foothills and plains of North India received the first typical winter showers, spread across the entire region. The wet spell covered parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat as well. Plains of Punjab and Haryana were quietly swept by the maiden spell of rain and drizzle, light to moderate in intensity at many places, beginning on New Year’s Eve. The rain belt further extended to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Weather conditions have now improved and rainfall has ceased. However, inclement conditions combining intense cold and dense fog have tightened their grip over the region.
The spell of snowfall in the mountains and widespread rains in the plains has left the region shivering under bone-chilling conditions. In the wake of these winter weather systems, frigid winds are expected to blow down the mountain slopes, triggering piercing cold across the plains of North India. Dense fog will add to the misery of winter chill, severely hampering transportation. Rail, road, and air traffic are expected to take a significant hit over the next few days.
