New Delhi, January 30, 2026
Weather conditions across North and Northwest India are set to change again as a fresh western disturbance becomes active from the night of January 30, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest forecast.
According to the IMD, the system is expected to bring rain, snowfall, strong winds, cold wave conditions, and dense fog across several regions over the next few days, with the impact peaking around February 1.
❄️ Heavy Snowfall Likely in Western Himalayan Region
The IMD stated that a western disturbance is currently active over Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas, supported by strong westerly winds in the upper atmosphere.
On February 1, widespread rainfall and heavy snowfall are likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h, which may disrupt daily life and transportation in hilly areas.
🌧️ Rain to Increase Chill in Plains Including Delhi-NCR
In the plains of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR, light to moderate rainfall is expected on February 1. Parts of Rajasthan may witness light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on January 31 and February 1.
The rainfall is likely to intensify cold conditions across the region, adding to winter discomfort.
🥶 Cold Wave Warning for North India
The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Minimum temperatures in these states may drop significantly below normal on January 30 and 31, making mornings and nights particularly harsh.
Elderly people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions have been advised to take special precautions.
🌫️ Dense Fog Alert Across Multiple States
Dense fog is likely to prevail over large parts of North and East India in the coming days. Regions expected to be affected include:
Bihar
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi
Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Odisha
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim
The IMD warned that visibility may drop sharply, potentially impacting road, rail, and air traffic. Motorists are advised to drive slowly and use fog lights.
🌡️ Temperature to Dip Further Before Gradual Rise
According to the IMD forecast:
Minimum temperatures across northwest and central India may fall by 2–4°C over the next two days
A gradual rise of 2–4°C is expected thereafter
In Gujarat, minimum temperatures may increase by 3–5°C over the next three days, followed by a drop of 2–3°C in the subsequent four days
No major temperature changes are expected across the rest of the country
🌊 Stormy Winds Warning in South India
Weather conditions are also expected to deteriorate over southern coastal and adjoining sea regions. The IMD warned that wind speeds over the Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, south Tamil Nadu coast, and coastal areas of Sri Lanka may increase from 40–50 km/h to as high as 60 km/h.
Due to rough sea conditions and high waves, fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea in these areas.
