A fresh and intense Western Disturbance is set to affect large parts of north and northwest India on January 26, bringing snowfall in the hills, rain and thunderstorms in several regions, and cold wave conditions across the plains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned.
The weather system will move across northwest India, triggering a fresh wet spell that could disrupt travel and daily life in multiple states on Republic Day.
Snowfall and Strong Winds Expected in Western Himalayan Region
According to the IMD, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh are likely to witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall. These areas may also experience lightning and squally winds, with wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching up to 70 kilometres per hour.
Isolated hailstorm activity is very likely in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have advised people in mountainous regions to remain alert, as snowfall combined with strong winds could lead to difficult travel conditions and disruptions.
Fog in the Plains and Cold Wave to Grip North India
While the hills brace for snow, the plains of north India are expected to face dense fog and severe cold. The IMD has predicted dense fog during night and early morning hours in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh.
Cold wave conditions are likely to persist over East Rajasthan, West Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and the Punjab-Haryana-Chandigarh region. In Delhi, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with shallow to moderate fog in the morning. Minimum temperatures may drop to between four and six degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, isolated light to moderate rainfall with lightning is expected over Kerala and Mahe. Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution along the north Gujarat coast and near the Sri Lanka coast due to squally weather conditions.
The IMD has urged citizens to stay updated with weather advisories and take necessary precautions as the Western Disturbance intensifies during the Republic Day celebrations.