Large parts of north and central India are currently witnessing extreme and contrasting weather conditions as an active western disturbance continues to influence the region. While the Himalayan states are battling intense snowfall and snowstorms, the plains are facing persistent rain, hailstorms, dense fog, and a sharp drop in temperatures. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions are unlikely to improve over the next four days.
The combination of icy winds descending from the mountains and widespread rainfall has intensified the cold wave, making daily life increasingly difficult across several states.
Severe Snowfall Disrupts Life in Himalayan Regions
Mountainous areas are bearing the brunt of the weather system. In Jammu and Kashmir, a powerful snowstorm struck the Gurez sector in Bandipora, causing widespread damage to residential areas. Reports indicate that nearly 100 houses have been partially damaged, forcing families to deal with extreme hardship amid freezing temperatures.
In Uttarakhand, the situation remains equally grim. High-altitude regions such as Chirbitiya and Kaddukhal in the Tehri district are buried under thick layers of snow. Normal life has come to a standstill, with roads blocked and movement severely restricted. After days of continuous effort, authorities managed to reopen the Ghuttu–Gangi road, which had remained closed due to heavy snowfall.
Rescue teams and local administrations remain on high alert as further snowfall could worsen conditions in these fragile regions.
Dense Fog and Cold Wave to Intensify in the Plains
The IMD has issued a fresh alert, warning that another western disturbance is expected to become active from the night of January 30. Its impact will likely be felt across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, where dense fog conditions are expected to prevail during late night and early morning hours.
The cold wave is also expected to strengthen in the coming days, potentially disrupting road, rail, and air traffic. Reduced visibility due to fog may lead to delays and safety concerns, particularly during peak travel hours.
Hailstorm Devastates Crops in Madhya Pradesh
In Madhya Pradesh, the weather has delivered a severe blow to farmers. In Khargone district’s Kasrawad tehsil, heavy rainfall accompanied by large hailstones turned agricultural fields white within minutes. Villages in the Dogawan area witnessed intense hailstorms that caused widespread crop destruction.
Standing wheat crops suffered broken ears, while gram (chickpea) crops were completely flattened. Farmers reported that months of hard work were wiped out in a single afternoon. The damaged fields now show crops lying scattered on the ground, raising fears of significant financial losses.
Affected farmers have urged the government to conduct an immediate crop assessment and announce compensation to help them recover from the unexpected disaster.
Young Man Loses Life Due to Electrocution in Rajasthan
Tragedy struck Kota district in Rajasthan as adverse weather combined with alleged administrative negligence led to the death of a young man. In Ramganjmandi, rainwater caused electric current to spread from overhead power lines, resulting in the electrocution of a 24-year-old man.
The victim was the only son of his family and was scheduled to get married in April. According to preliminary findings by the electricity department, the accident occurred after high-voltage current leaked into a low-tension line. The incident has raised serious questions about infrastructure safety during extreme weather events.
