Weather Alert: Northern India Witnesses First Snowfall, Bitter Cold to Grip Delhi and UP

Northern India is experiencing severe cold as the first snowfall of the season blankets the hilly regions. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh are expected to witness heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, dense fog is likely to persist over the plains, potentially disrupting road, rail, and air traffic.

IMD Issues Weather Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a caution for the next few days, predicting heavy rainfall and snowfall in high-altitude regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and northeastern Himachal Pradesh. Strong winds reaching 50–60 km/h may reduce visibility significantly.

In the plains, dense to very dense fog is forecasted over eastern Uttar Pradesh until 23 December, and across Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha on different dates. This may lead to disruption in road, rail, and air travel.

Air Travel Likely to Be Affected
Fog in the plains is expected to continue, potentially affecting flights. IMD also predicts cold wave conditions on 22 December in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, and between 22–23 December in Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast
From 21–24 December, Delhi-NCR will experience partly cloudy skies, morning fog, and cold daytime temperatures. Fresh snowfall in the hills will bring icy winds to the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wind speeds will range from 15–25 km/h, reducing fog slightly and allowing occasional sunshine. Maximum temperatures are expected between 18–23°C, with minimums around 8–11°C. From 25 December onwards, fog is likely to thicken again, with temperatures ranging 18–21°C (max) and 6–9°C (min).

Uttar Pradesh Weather Forecast
Over the next 2–3 days, UP may see a slight rise in temperatures and a reduction in fog density, followed by a drop in temperature and increased fog. On Sunday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 18.9°C and the minimum at 10.1°C.

Bihar Weather Update
Western disturbances are causing severe cold across Bihar. The IMD has issued a cold day alert for 18 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Samastipur, and Madhubani. Westerly winds and persistent fog are keeping daytime temperatures low.

Uttarakhand Weather Update
After three days of fog, mist, and cold days, a slight relief was felt on Sunday in most plains, including Dehradun, with some sunshine during daytime. Cold, however, persists. In the next 2–3 days, weather conditions are expected to change again, with light rain and snowfall forecasted in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh, particularly above 3,500 meters.