New Delhi, India | January 31, 2026
Weather conditions across large parts of northwest and central India are set to shift again as multiple western disturbances become active, bringing rain, snowfall, strong winds, and foggy conditions through early February, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Rain and Snow Likely Till February 3
IMD forecasts indicate that Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, along with several other parts of northwest and central India, may experience rainfall from Saturday through February 3. Higher-altitude regions could witness fresh snowfall, while gusty winds of 30–40 km/h may intensify the winter chill.
Morning hours in several regions could also see dense fog, potentially affecting visibility and transport services.
Meteorologists further noted that another western disturbance is expected between February 5 and 7, which may again impact northwest India, keeping weather conditions unsettled.
Multiple Western Disturbances Active
According to IMD’s latest update, one western disturbance has developed as a cyclonic circulation over northeastern Iran. A second system is expected to intensify from the night of February 2, while a third disturbance may become active from February 5.
Due to these systems, rainfall and snowfall are likely in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad between January 31 and February 2. Thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated hailstorms are also possible in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan during this period.
Delhi-NCR Braces for Weekend Rain
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for parts of Delhi-NCR, warning of rain and strong surface winds over the weekend. A fresh western disturbance affecting the western Himalayan region between January 31 and February 2 could bring three consecutive days of showers to the national capital region.
While Friday saw clear skies and sunshine across Delhi and much of north India, cloud cover has increased again, signaling an imminent change in weather.
Kashmir Sees Relief After Chillai Kalan
With the end of Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s harshest winter phase, nighttime temperatures have risen across many areas. In Srinagar, minimum temperatures climbed above the freezing point, offering temporary relief from severe cold.
However, fresh rain and snowfall are expected on Sunday due to the active western disturbance. IMD has also warned of avalanche risks in higher-altitude areas over the next two to three days, urging residents and travelers to remain cautious.
Himachal Pradesh: Avalanche Warning Issued
In Himachal Pradesh, ongoing rain and snowfall have disrupted daily life, with hundreds of roads, power transformers, and drinking water schemes affected. Extremely low temperatures were recorded in high-altitude areas, including Tabo and Kukumseri.
Authorities have issued avalanche warnings for Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Pangi regions. IMD’s Shimla center predicts light to moderate rain and snowfall on January 31, February 2, and February 3, followed by relatively dry weather on February 4 and 5.
Fog Disrupts Flights in Amritsar
Dense fog impacted flight operations at Amritsar airport on Friday, leading to cancellations of select domestic services. Weather-related visibility issues continue to pose challenges for air travel across northern India.
Stormy Winds Over Southern Seas
IMD also reported an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and near the south Kerala coast. As a result, stormy winds of 45–55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h, are likely over the Comorin region and the Gulf of Mannar.
