New Delhi | January 15, 2026
Winter has tightened its grip across North India, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an extensive weather alert for dense fog, severe cold wave conditions, rain, and heavy snowfall. From the plains to the Himalayan region, icy winds and sub-zero temperatures have disrupted everyday life, and the cold is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
IMD Warns: Cold Wave to Worsen Over the Next Five Days
According to IMD, strong northwesterly winds blowing from the Himalayas are amplifying the chill across the plains. The next two days are likely to witness an intense and widespread cold wave, with night temperatures dipping significantly below normal.
The department has advised citizens—especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses—to take extra precautions during early morning and nighttime hours when the cold is expected to be most severe.
Delhi-NCR Records Sharp Temperature Drop
Delhi-NCR continues to reel under biting cold despite periods of sunlight. Minimum temperatures recorded at 8:30 am were:
Delhi: 3.8°C
Noida: 2.0°C
Ghaziabad: 4.8°C
Gurgaon: 0.8°C
Faridabad: 4.3°C
Dense fog in multiple areas disrupted road and rail transport during the morning hours.
Where Has IMD Issued Alerts?
Over 10 states are under warnings for dense fog and severe cold wave conditions.
Key IMD forecasts include:
Jan 17–20: Rain and snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
Light rain likely in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh:
Meerut: 3.1°C
Ayodhya & Muzaffarnagar: 3.5°C
Punjab: Bathinda remains one of the coldest at 3.2°C
Haryana:
Narnaul: 1.0°C
Bhiwani: 1.2°C
Mountains Freeze Under Harsh Winter Conditions
The Himalayan belt is facing extreme winter severity. In Jammu & Kashmir, the ongoing Chilla-e-Kalan—the region’s harshest 40-day winter phase—has led to parts of Dal Lake freezing.
Temperature updates:
Srinagar: –5.2°C
Kupwara: –6.2°C
Drass (Ladakh): –21.7°C
Several regions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also hovering around the freezing point.
Weather experts caution that no immediate relief is expected. Night temperatures may drop even further as cold winds continue to flow from the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Residents are advised to use warm clothing, heaters, bonfires, and avoid unnecessary early-morning travel.
The severe cold spell is expected to remain a significant challenge across North India over the next few days.
