As India prepares to welcome the New Year 2026, weather conditions across several regions are expected to create disruptions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the impact of an active western disturbance will bring rain, snowfall, dense fog, and severe cold wave conditions in many parts of the country over the next few days. Alerts have been issued from December 31 to January 4, urging people to remain cautious.
Rain and Snowfall Expected in Northern and Himalayan Regions
IMD forecasts that due to the western disturbance, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall between December 31 and January 1. These weather conditions may affect road connectivity, tourism activities, and daily life in the hilly regions. Travelers are advised to check local advisories before planning trips during the New Year period.
Dense Fog to Impact North Indian Plains
The weather department has warned of dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours in several northern states. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh may experience heavy fog till December 31, while eastern Uttar Pradesh is likely to remain affected till January 1, 2026. After this period, fog intensity is expected to gradually reduce.
In Himachal Pradesh, dense fog conditions may persist till December 31, while Uttarakhand could continue facing fog-related issues till January 4, which may affect traffic movement and visibility in hill towns.
Fog and Cold Conditions in Eastern and Central India
IMD has also highlighted fog-related concerns in Rajasthan from January 1 to January 4, Madhya Pradesh till December 31, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim till January 3. In the Gangetic plains of West Bengal, dense fog is expected from December 31 to January 3.
Meanwhile, northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to witness a further drop in temperatures till January 4, intensifying winter conditions across the region.
Cold Day Conditions Likely in These States
IMD has issued a warning for cold day conditions in parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 31 and January 1. Additionally, eastern Uttar Pradesh may also experience cold day-like conditions on December 31, making daytime temperatures significantly lower than normal.
Cold Wave Alert Across Multiple Regions
A cold wave is likely to prevail in eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh till December 31. In western Rajasthan, cold wave conditions are expected on January 2 and 3. IMD has also warned of cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh from December 31 to January 3, while Telangana and north interior Karnataka may experience similar conditions till January 1.
Severe Cold Continues in Bihar
Bihar continues to reel under intense cold, with daily life severely affected. According to IMD, there is no major change expected in weather conditions over the next seven days. A cold day alert has been issued for December 31, and dense fog is likely in northern and south-western districts. On January 1, dense fog may cover parts of north-central, north-west, south-central, and south-west Bihar, further reducing visibility during morning hours.
Jharkhand to Face Fog and Cold Wave
In Jharkhand, weather conditions may slightly improve in most districts over the next two days, except for 12 districts bordering Bihar. According to the Meteorological Centre, Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Giridih, Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Sahibganj, and Pakur may witness dense fog from morning to afternoon on December 31. These districts are also likely to experience cold wave conditions, increasing the chill factor.
Advisory for Citizens
The IMD has advised people to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning and late-night travel. Motorists should drive carefully in fog-prone areas, and elderly people and children should be protected from extreme cold. Farmers and travelers are also urged to stay updated with local weather bulletins.
With rain, fog, and cold waves set to dominate large parts of India, New Year celebrations may face weather-related challenges, making caution and preparedness essential as 2026 begins.
