New Delhi, December 26, 2025
A severe cold wave has engulfed the entire Himalayan belt from Kashmir to West Bengal, with temperatures plunging as low as 7 degrees below zero at several locations. At the same time, dense to very dense fog across the northern plains has significantly disrupted daily life and flight operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a change in weather conditions in western Himalayan states from today, with the possibility of light snowfall in higher-altitude regions.
Kashmir Sees Return of Intense Cold
After a brief three-day respite, harsh winter conditions have returned to Kashmir. Clear night skies led to a sharp fall in temperatures, pushing mercury levels below freezing.
Srinagar: Minimum temperature dropped from 3°C to –2.2°C
Sonamarg (Central Kashmir): Coldest spot at –7.3°C
According to IMD forecasts, the weather will remain clear for the next two days, followed by cloud cover, light rain, or drizzle until January 5, with light snowfall possible at higher elevations.
Snowfall and Rain Likely in Himachal Pradesh
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla said a western disturbance may impact the western Himalayan region starting December 27.
December 28 onward: Light snowfall and rain likely in higher reaches
December 30–31: Another spell of light snowfall and rain expected
Despite expectations, Himachal Pradesh missed a White Christmas, disappointing tourists in popular destinations such as Shimla and Manali. The dry weather during the holiday period also impacted hotel occupancy and tourism-related businesses.
Fog Alerts Issued in Himachal
IMD issued:
Orange alert for dense to very dense fog in Bilaspur
Yellow alert for Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution due to severely reduced visibility.
Lowest minimum temperature: –6.3°C in Kukumseri
Highest maximum temperature: 24.4°C in Una
IndiGo Cancels 67 Flights Amid Poor Weather
Low visibility conditions forced IndiGo Airlines to cancel 67 flights on Thursday, citing adverse weather forecasts.
Affected airports include:
Bengaluru, Varanasi, Chandigarh, Agartala, and Dehradun
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared December 10 to February 10 as the official fog season, allowing operations only by CAT-3B–equipped aircraft flown by specially trained pilots. The system enables safe landings even when visibility drops below 50 meters.
Cold Wave in Rajasthan, Dense Fog in Punjab
Rajasthan: Icy northwesterly winds triggered a severe cold wave
Fatehpur (Sikar district): Coldest location at 1.6°C
Punjab: Dense to very dense fog and cold wave conditions
Adampur: Coldest at 3°C
Minimum temperatures across the state hovered near 3°C
Darjeeling Records Lowest Temperature in West Bengal
Winter chill intensified Christmas celebrations in parts of West Bengal, with temperatures dropping by 2–3 degrees at several locations.
Darjeeling: Lowest temperature recorded at 4.5°C
The IMD forecast indicates dry weather over the next seven days, with light to moderate fog likely across all districts of the state.
