The weather in India, especially in Delhi and neighboring states, has taken a sharp turn with the start of the New Year. While the mountains are blanketed in snow, the plains of North India continue to shiver under a cold wave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fog alert for Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) today.
Cold Wave Continues Across Northern States
For over a week now, people in most parts of North India have been battling freezing temperatures. The weather department has warned that cold conditions may intensify in the coming days. In UP, a Cold Day Alert has been issued for January 1st, and there’s no sign of relief from the biting cold anytime soon.
In Uttar Pradesh, the weather is expected to remain dry today. However, dense fog in the morning and evening will make travel difficult. The IMD has also issued a cold wave alert for various regions in the state.
Adding to this, a Western Disturbance is set to become active over Northwest India from January 4th. As a result, rainfall may occur in Uttar Pradesh on January 6th.
Delhi Shivers Under Thick Fog
In Delhi-NCR, the day started with a thick blanket of fog. The minimum temperature remains low, forcing people to rely on bonfires for warmth. According to the IMD, the skies in Delhi will remain partly cloudy today, with moderate fog in several areas.
The wind speed is expected to pick up in the afternoon (14–18 km/h) but will drop again by evening (below 8 km/h). The maximum temperature is predicted to hover around 17°C, while the minimum may drop to 8°C.
Kashmir Freezes as Temperature Drops to -11°C
In Kashmir, the cold has brought life to a standstill. Popular tourist spot Gulmarg recorded a freezing -11.5°C, making it extremely challenging for locals and tourists alike. The IMD has predicted light snowfall on New Year’s Day, followed by moderate snowfall in the coming days.
Weather Forecast for the Next 5 Days
For the next five days, here’s how the weather looks in key regions:
| State/Region | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|
| Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP | Cold Day conditions likely |
| Himachal, Uttarakhand | Heavy fog and snowfall expected |
| Odisha, West Bengal | Dense fog in the morning |
| Assam, Meghalaya | Foggy mornings, chilly nights |
| Kashmir, Himachal | Snowfall and freezing temperatures |
Key Takeaways:
- Northern states will continue to face intense cold weather.
- Dense fog will disrupt travel and daily routines.
- Western Disturbance may bring rain and snow from January 4th onwards.
