Large parts of India welcomed the New Year with sharply contrasting weather conditions, as biting cold gripped north India, fresh snow covered the higher reaches of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, and heavy rainfall swept across Mumbai. The first day of 2026 highlighted the intensity and spread of winter systems influencing different regions of the country.
In north India, severe cold conditions dominated the morning as Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region continued to reel under low temperatures and poor air quality. The national capital remained enveloped in dense smog, with air quality staying in the “very poor” category. Delhi had ended 2025 by recording its coldest December day in six years, with the maximum temperature plunging to 14.2 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department, a further drop in minimum temperatures is likely from January 3 onwards, as cold northerly winds from the Himalayan region move southwards.
Weather officials said strong surface easterly winds over northwest India triggered thunderstorm activity in parts of Rajasthan, with the system expected to move towards Delhi, Haryana and Punjab by late afternoon. Light rain and thunderstorms may bring temporary relief from pollution but are also expected to intensify the cold conditions across the region.
In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall was reported in higher-altitude areas, including Rohtang Pass and parts of Lahaul and Spiti, even as thousands of tourists gathered in popular hill destinations to celebrate the New Year. However, well-known tourist hubs such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie did not receive snowfall on the day. The weather department has forecast light snowfall and rainfall in the state over the next two days, raising hopes among visitors.
Kashmir witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall in several areas, including Gulmarg, Gurez and Sonamarg, as the region continued to experience Chilla-e-Kalan, the harshest 40-day period of winter. While the landscape turned white, temperatures remained relatively higher than the seasonal average, indicating an unusually warm winter so far. Gulmarg recorded the lowest temperature at minus three degrees Celsius, while Srinagar and Pahalgam registered minimum temperatures of 2.3 degrees and minus two degrees respectively.
Unusual cold conditions were also observed in eastern India. Kolkata recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, with the weather department predicting that the chill would persist for the next week. In the hills of West Bengal, Darjeeling experienced a minimum temperature of 3.4 degrees Celsius, and light rain or snowfall in higher reaches is expected in the coming days. Sub-Himalayan districts such as Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar are also likely to receive light rainfall.
In contrast to the cold and dry conditions in the north, Mumbai began 2026 on a wet note. Several parts of the city witnessed early morning rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy showers. The rain, which began before dawn, surprised residents expecting a clear start to the New Year and temporarily disrupted normal routines across the city.
Meteorologists say the varied weather patterns reflect the influence of multiple atmospheric systems active across the country. With cold wave conditions expected to intensify in northern states over the coming days and intermittent rainfall forecast in western and southern regions, authorities have advised people to stay alert and follow weather advisories closely as India settles into the heart of winter.