Weather update: IMD issues alerts for snow in Kashmir, rain in Delhi, thunderstorms in 13 states

India’s weather pattern continues to be dominated by an active Western Disturbance that is bringing a mix of snowfall in the Himalayan region, rain and thunderstorms across northern and central plains, and gusty winds and cold conditions to several states on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

IMD Warning:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that this weather system will remain active from January 26 to January 28, with isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall in the western Himalayan states — including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand- on Tuesday.

These areas are expected to see light to moderate precipitation, with pockets of heavy snow and possible hail activity, particularly in higher elevations.

UP, Rajasthan, Haryana:

In the plains, the IMD has issued yellow alerts for rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and adjoining regions through the day. Gusts of wind are forecast to reach 40–60 km/h at isolated places, posing risks to outdoor activity and travel.

Delhi–NCR:

Residents of Delhi–NCR should prepare for a cloudy and unstable day, with intermittent light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds forecasted through the morning and afternoon. Meteorologists say daytime temperatures in the capital are likely to hover around 18–20°C, with the minimum lows near 8–10°C, while cold wave conditions may persist in isolated pockets.

The cold spell has already made headlines in the national capital, with parts of Delhi recording the coldest Republic Day in five years, as minimum temperatures dipped significantly below seasonal averages.

Fog Alert:

Travel and transport sectors are likely to feel the effects of the variable weather. Dense fog in the early morning hours has been reported across segments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, reducing visibility on key highways and complicating road travel.

In northwestern India, Rajasthan has been placed under alert for rainfall and thunderstorms, especially in districts like Jaipur and Bikaner, where visibility may dip due to fog and temperature fluctuations.

Kashmir Valley:

Meanwhile, the tourism-dependent Kashmir Valley is bracing for another spell of heavy snowfall, following significant precipitation last week that already challenged infrastructure and mobility. Local authorities have advised residents and travellers to take precautions, particularly on key mountain passes and high-altitude roads.

Beyond the north, scattered thunderstorms and lightning are possible over parts of Madhya Pradesh and Marathwada, while coastal and southern fishing zones — including waters off south Tamil Nadu and the Gulf of Mannar — have been warned of squally conditions with winds gusting up to 60 km/h.

Forecasters note that this weather phase is part of the normal winter pattern influenced by Western Disturbances, which steer moisture northward from the Mediterranean region, interacting with cold continental air over India’s interior.

Looking ahead to the next 48 hours, the IMD says the intensity of precipitation may ease slightly after January 28, but isolated showers and gusty winds will continue across many northern and central states through mid-week, with cold morning conditions lingering in the northwest.

Advice to the public: Stay updated with local IMD district forecasts, carry appropriate rain and wind gear if travelling, and exercise caution on foggy and snow-affected roads. Fishermen are also advised to heed maritime safety warnings for coastal and offshore waters.