New Delhi: A fresh western disturbance is set to impact large parts of north and northwest India, bringing rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and cold winds over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest weather update.

According to the IMD, Friday, January 23, will be the only day this week when Delhi receives rainfall. The capital is expected to see a generally cloudy sky with very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph. Morning fog will continue before rain activity begins later in the day.

Rain activity in Delhi is expected to end by January 24, but the city will continue to see cloudy skies and strong surface winds between 20 and 30 kmph, making it feel colder than usual. Fog is likely to persist during early mornings, affecting visibility once again.

From January 25 onwards, Delhi weather is expected to stabilise. Skies will turn partly cloudy, fog will continue in the mornings, and no rainfall is forecast for January 25 and 26.

Heavy rain and snow in Western Himalayas

The IMD has issued a broader alert for north and northwest India starting January 21. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to witness widespread rain and snowfall till 26.

Heavy snowfall is likely in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on January 23.

Himachal Pradesh’s Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for Kullu, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, and a yellow alert for Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kinnaur and Sirmaur districts.

The Kashmir Valley may also experience heavy rain and snow on January 23.

Residents tracking Shimla weather and Manali weather have been advised to stay alert as travel disruptions are possible in higher-altitude areas.

Rainfall in plains and thunderstorm alerts

In the plains, the IMD has forecast:

Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh: Light to moderate rain till January 24

Western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan: Rain on January 23

Eastern Uttar Pradesh: Rain on January 23–24

Thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds of 30–50 kmph is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Rajasthan and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may also experience thunderstorms on January 24.

Fresh snowfall in Gulmarg, strong winds in Kashmir

The famous ski resort of Gulmarg and several other areas in Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Thursday evening as the western disturbance intensified.

Moderate snowfall will continue in Gulmarg, while higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian districts also recorded snowfall,” officials said. Plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain, accompanied by strong winds.

The Meteorological Department said widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall is expected, with heavy spells at isolated places, adding that another western disturbance may affect the region on January 26.

Fog, cold wave IMD advisory for residents

The IMD has advised people to:

  • Drive carefully and use fog lights during low visibility
  • Check travel schedules before heading out
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during early mornings and late nights
  • Dress in layers and take precautions against cold exposure.