Weather conditions across northwest and north India have changed once again with the activation of a Western Disturbance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and snowfall in the Himalayan states and thunderstorms with strong winds and hailstorms over the plains on January 27 and 28. A fresh spell of cold wave conditions is expected to set in from January 28 across several northern states.
While the rainfall is likely to benefit rabi crops such as wheat and mustard, farmers in several regions fear crop damage due to hailstorms. Snowfall in the higher reaches is considered favorable for horticulture crops, particularly apple orchards, which require adequate winter chilling for good yields. Light rain in Delhi and surrounding areas has already led to a sharp drop in temperatures, intensifying the winter chill.
Snowfall in Himalayan Regions
Due to the active Western Disturbance, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to witness widespread rain and snowfall on January 27 and 28. In some locations, heavy rainfall and heavy snowfall are also expected. Strong winds and harsh weather conditions may further disrupt daily life in these areas.
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall and rain have severely affected transport and connectivity. According to state authorities, more than 1,250 roads have been closed, including several key mountain routes, disrupting the movement of people and essential supplies. Reports from districts such as Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur indicate power outages and water supply disruptions due to snowfall and high winds. Educational institutions in some hill districts have been advised to remain closed as a precautionary measure.
The Border Roads Organisation has been deployed to clear snow from strategic highways, while tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to higher altitudes.
Rain and Hailstorms in Plains
Several parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab experienced heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms, raising concerns over damage to standing crops. Reports from eastern Rajasthan indicate hailstorm activity in multiple districts, affecting mustard and vegetable crops.
IMD has issued alerts for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and the Delhi-NCR region for light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds ranging between 40 and 60 km per hour on January 27. In Delhi, light rainfall with thunder and wind speeds of 30 to 40 km per hour are expected, which has further lowered temperatures and deteriorated visibility in some areas.
Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to witness lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds on January 27 and 28. The weather agency has also issued storm and rainfall alerts for at least 13 states, warning that daily life and travel may be disrupted due to adverse conditions.
Cold Wave Set to Return
According to IMD’s latest forecast, temperatures will begin to fall again from January 28 after a brief rise over the next two days. Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail from January 28 to 31 over parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, and from January 29 to 31 over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining regions.
Delhi recorded one of its lowest temperatures on January 26, making it the coldest Republic Day in the last five years. Meteorologists say that the fresh cold wave, combined with strong winds and moisture from rainfall, will intensify the cold across the northern plains.
Dense Fog Warning Issued
Along with the cold wave, dense fog is expected to affect visibility across several northern states. IMD has forecast dense fog over Uttarakhand till January 27 and over Uttar Pradesh on January 27, 29, and 30 during morning and night hours. Dense fog alerts have also been issued for Himachal Pradesh from January 28 to 31, Rajasthan from January 28 to 30, and Bihar from January 29 to 31. The fog is likely to disrupt road, rail, and air traffic, especially during early morning and late night hours.
Advisory to Public and Farmers
The Meteorological Department has advised people to exercise extreme caution while traveling, particularly in hilly regions, and to check the latest weather updates before undertaking journeys. Farmers have been warned to take protective measures against hailstorms and strong winds to minimize crop damage.
Authorities have also urged residents to avoid exposed and vulnerable areas during thunderstorms and high winds and to remain alert to official advisories over the next few days.