Tomorrow’s Weather, 16 January 2026: Bitter Cold Grips Delhi-NCR, Rain and Snow Alerts in Six Northern States

New Delhi:
The severe winter chill continues to grip Delhi-NCR and much of northern India. On Friday, 16 January, residents of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan will continue to experience harsh cold waves, while hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are likely to see snowfall.

Cold Wave Persists in Punjab and Haryana

On Thursday, temperatures in parts of Punjab and Haryana dropped near freezing, intensifying the cold wave. According to the Meteorological Department, Hisar recorded the lowest temperature at 0.2°C, around six degrees below the seasonal average. Other areas also faced dense morning fog, significantly reducing visibility. Narnaul recorded a minimum of 1.5°C and Nuh 4.6°C.

Kashmir Records Slight Temperature Rise

Kashmir saw a slight increase in night temperatures but remains below zero. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature on Wednesday night was -3.9°C, slightly higher than Tuesday’s -5.2°C. The ongoing Chilla-e-Kalan, a 40-day period of extreme cold that started on 21 December, continues to affect the valley, with many water bodies freezing partially and night temperatures frequently dipping below freezing.

City-Wise Forecast for 16 January

Rain and Snow Alerts in Northern States

The IMD has issued a 72-hour alert for six northern states. Between 16–20 January, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall, with Uttarakhand experiencing scattered rain and snow. From 18–20 January, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh may see isolated rainfall, while parts of western Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan may experience rain on 19–20 January. Additionally, Lakshadweep could witness light to moderate rain with thunder on 14 January.

Fog and Cold Wave Conditions to Continue

Dense fog and cold wave conditions are expected to persist in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar for the next few days. Visibility may drop drastically in areas like Udhampur and Pantnagar, making travel hazardous. The arrival of a new Western Disturbance on 15 January is likely to trigger further snowfall in hilly regions and worsen cold and fog in the plains.

Residents are advised to stay cautious, particularly in fog-prone and low-visibility areas, and to take precautions against severe cold.