New Delhi, India | January 22, 2026
After a spell of intense cold followed by a rise in daytime temperatures, weather conditions across North India are set to change from Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain and strong wind alerts for several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
According to the IMD, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will begin witnessing a shift in weather from today, with strong winds expected to blow through the region. Rain is likely to follow in Delhi-NCR from Friday, while multiple northern states may experience thunderstorms and gusty conditions.
Rain, Winds, and Hailstorm Warning
The IMD said an active western disturbance will impact large parts of North India. Some regions may see heavy rainfall, while others could experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. Parts of western Uttar Pradesh may also witness hailstorms.
Uttar Pradesh Rain Timeline
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh is likely to begin late evening or night on January 22.
Meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh said that widespread rain is expected in eastern Uttar Pradesh on January 23. Rainfall activity is likely to reduce on January 24, with dry weather expected from January 25 onward.
Rain and Snowfall in Hill States
The National Weather Centre has forecast rain in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on January 22 and 23. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab are also likely to receive rain on Friday.
A rain and snowfall alert has been issued for Uttarakhand on January 23, prompting authorities to place all concerned agencies on alert mode.
Strong Winds Across North India
The IMD warned that Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi may experience strong winds with speeds of 50–60 kmph today and tomorrow, which could impact daily activities and travel.
Temperature Outlook
Daytime temperatures across northwestern India are expected to remain on the higher side. However, due to rainfall and adverse weather conditions, temperatures may dip over the next two days, before rising again afterward.
In Maharashtra, temperatures are expected to increase by 2–4 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Fog and Visibility Concerns
Dense fog and haze are likely to persist over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh till January 23. Isolated pockets of fog may also affect parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Rajasthan Rain Alert
In Rajasthan, a rain alert has been issued for six districts on Thursday. Cloudy conditions are expected in the northwestern districts under the influence of the western disturbance. Meteorologists said rainfall activity is likely to continue, with another weather system expected to become active next week, potentially altering conditions again between January 26 and 28.
