North India Weather Update: Relief from the ongoing cold and rain in northern India is unlikely for now. Dense fog and light rain warnings have been issued for January 16, and dense fog is expected to persist for the next three days.
A new Western Disturbance is set to become active on January 18, bringing significant changes to the weather. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this system is likely to cause light rainfall over northwest and central India.
Dense Fog Alert Issued
The IMD forecasts dense to very dense fog in parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Rajasthan, and eastern Rajasthan on January 16 and 17. A western disturbance is currently stationed over Pakistan, while a cyclonic circulation is active over southern Haryana.
A new western disturbance could affect northwest India on January 18, with another disturbance expected to become active by January 22.
Light Rain Likely in Prayagraj and Nearby Areas
The IMD has warned that dense fog will continue over northwest India for several days. With clouds gathering over the northwestern Himalayan region, light rainfall is expected in Prayagraj on Thursday, January 16, along with an alert for dense to very dense fog. Partial cloud cover is also likely in the region.
Rain Alert for Specific States
On January 16, light to moderate rain is expected in Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. A mix of light rain and snowfall has been predicted in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand, while Himachal Pradesh is likely to see light rain and changing weather patterns on January 16 and 17.
Major Weather Change Expected from January 18
The activation of a western disturbance on January 18 will impact the Himalayan regions and northwest plains, leading to rain and snow between January 18 and January 22. Specifically, rain and snowfall are forecast in hilly states during this period. States like Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh could experience rainfall on January 21 and 22.
Next Three Days Weather Outlook
January 17: Dense fog warnings (orange alert) have been issued for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Fog is also expected in Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states. Cold-day conditions are likely in Himachal Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan.
January 18: Dense fog will persist in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Cold-day conditions will continue in Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Tamil Nadu.
January 19: Heavy rain is forecast for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the northeastern region.
Weather in the Past 24 Hours
In the last 24 hours, southern Tamil Nadu recorded the highest rainfall. Light rain was also observed in Delhi and surrounding areas. Dense to very dense fog was reported in Punjab, Haryana, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with visibility dropping below 50 meters in several places. Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Tripura experienced dense fog, with visibility between 50 and 199 meters.
Temperatures Likely to Drop Further
The IMD predicts a drop of 2–3°C in minimum temperatures over northwest India in the next two days, followed by a rise of 2–4°C. Gujarat may see an increase of 2–3°C in minimum temperatures over the next three days, with no significant changes expected after that. Minimal changes are anticipated in central, eastern, and Maharashtra regions over the next five days.