New Delhi | January 16, 2026
Large parts of north and east India remain in the grip of a bone-chilling cold wave, with no immediate relief expected. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain and snowfall alert for the next 4–5 days in the hill states. Light showers are also likely over plains, which may intensify cold wave conditions across several northern states. Meanwhile, dense to very dense fog is set to trouble multiple states for the next week.
Rain & Snow Forecast in the Hills
A fresh Western Disturbance is becoming active over Himachal Pradesh, bringing the possibility of rain and snow from Friday onwards.
Key forecasts include:
Rain and snowfall expected for six days
Strongest impact on January 19–20
Dry spell likely to break across most districts
Bad weather predicted between January 16–21
This system may improve moisture levels but will also keep temperatures on the lower side.
Punjab & Haryana Close to Freezing Point
The cold wave continues to tighten its grip on Punjab and Haryana, where temperatures have dropped close to the freezing point.
On Thursday:
Hisar recorded 0.2°C, the lowest in Haryana
IMD predicts temperature fluctuations due to a weak Western Disturbance active from Friday
Forecast for the region:
Cloudy skies from January 16–18
Light rain/drizzle expected from January 19–22
Himachal Temperature Falls Below 5°C
Night temperatures in 11 districts of Himachal Pradesh have dropped below 5°C, with five locations recording 0°C and three regions dipping into sub-zero levels.
In Bilaspur, visibility remained extremely low until 9:30 AM, forcing commuters to drive with headlights on in broad daylight due to thick fog.
As the Western Disturbance strengthens, weather conditions across the hills and plains are expected to remain unstable for several more days.
