As the New Year approaches, weather conditions across large parts of India are set to witness significant changes due to the impact of an active western disturbance. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dense fog, cold day conditions, and severe winter chill are expected to continue in several northern, eastern, and central states till January 1, 2026. While some regions may see slight relief after the initial days, others are likely to remain under the grip of intense cold and reduced visibility.

Dense Fog to Persist in Many States

The IMD has warned that dense to very dense fog will continue to affect Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh during night and early morning hours until December 31. In eastern Uttar Pradesh, foggy conditions may persist till January 1, after which a gradual improvement in visibility is expected.

Apart from this, eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to experience dense fog during night and morning hours till December 29. Meanwhile, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Odisha may continue to witness dense fog conditions till the beginning of the New Year.

Cold Day Conditions in North India

Weather officials have indicated a strong possibility of cold day conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on December 29. Daytime temperatures in these regions may remain significantly below normal, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.

A fresh western disturbance is expected to influence the western Himalayan region from December 30 onwards. Due to its effect, weather patterns in the surrounding plains may also change from December 31, bringing cloud cover, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation in some areas.

Severe Cold in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is likely to experience harsh cold conditions over the next few days. However, some relief may arrive after Tuesday as minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days. According to forecasts, January 1, 2026, may bring relatively pleasant weather conditions for the state, offering a brief respite from the intense chill.

Cold Wave Alert in Bihar Districts

Cold conditions are set to continue across Bihar, with no immediate relief in sight for the next four days. The IMD has issued a cold day alert for 14 districts for the next two days. These include Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabua, Rohtas, Arwal, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Nawada, Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Gaya, and Jamui. Residents in these areas are advised to remain cautious as cold winds and low daytime temperatures are expected to prevail throughout the day.

Punjab and Haryana Remain in Cold Grip

Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh are also likely to continue experiencing severe cold. The weather department has forecast cold wave conditions in these regions between December 29 and December 30, urging people to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

Delhi Weather Update

In the national capital, Delhi, the sky is expected to remain mostly clear. The minimum temperature on Monday may range between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, according to IMD estimates. A slight rise in temperatures is expected over the following days, which may bring some relief from the biting cold.

Rain and Snowfall in Hilly Regions

From December 30 to January 2, light to moderate rain and snowfall are likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad. During the same period, parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may also witness rain or snowfall. These conditions could intensify cold weather in mountainous areas and disrupt daily life, including road connectivity and tourism activities.

Temperature Trends Across Regions

For northwestern India, no major change in minimum temperatures is expected over the next 24 hours. However, a gradual increase of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius is likely over the following three days. Similarly, central and eastern India are not expected to see any significant temperature change in the next 24 hours.

Advisory for Citizens

With dense fog, cold waves, and weather fluctuations expected to continue into the New Year, citizens are advised to remain cautious while traveling, especially during early morning hours. Elderly people, children, and those with health conditions should take extra care, while farmers and commuters are advised to stay updated with local weather bulletins.

Overall, while the New Year celebrations may face some weather-related disruptions, conditions are expected to gradually improve in several regions as January begins.