Weather Today, 15 January 2026: Bitter Cold Returns; Rain Alert for 6 States, Cold Wave in Bihar

New Delhi: Northern India, including the national capital Delhi-NCR, is set to witness a return of severe cold, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dense fog and freezing temperatures continue to disrupt daily life across northern and eastern plains.

The IMD has issued alerts for a persistent cold wave over the next two days in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Light to dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and western UP.

Western Disturbance Incoming
The weather department has warned of a new Western Disturbance arriving on 15 January. Between 15–30 January, multiple strong systems are expected to bring heavy snowfall to the northern hills. In plains, cold waves and dense fog are likely to intensify. The IMD has issued warnings of dense to very dense fog across northern India and Bihar for the next five to six days, with visibility already dropping to near zero in places like Udhampur and Pantnagar.

Snowfall Alert for the Hills
Temperatures in several regions have hit record lows. Hisar recorded a minimum of 1.1°C—the coldest so far this winter season. Delhi and Chandigarh are shivering at around 4°C. Skymet reports that while plains remain dry for now, the Western Disturbance will soon trigger rainfall, with northern hills seeing rain and snowfall from 16 January onwards in Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

Rain Warning for Six States
The IMD has issued a 72-hour rainfall alert for six northern states. From 16–20 January, moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, with scattered rain-snow in Uttarakhand. Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh may experience rainfall from 18–20 January, while western UP and eastern Rajasthan could see scattered showers on 19–20 January. Lakshadweep may also see light to moderate thunderstorms on 14 January.

Delhi Weather Today
Delhi is expected to remain cold, with temperatures dropping by 2–3°C between 18–20 January. From 15–17 January, morning and night temperatures will hover between 4–5°C, accompanied by winds at 10–15 km/h.

City-wise Temperature Forecast (15 January 2026)

Bihar Weather
Bihar will experience severe cold on 15 January, with dense fog and cold wave warnings across most districts. Dangerous cold wave conditions are expected in Patna, Siwan, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, East Champaran, West Champaran, Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar, Araria, Khagaria, Darbhanga, and Madhubani.

Uttar Pradesh Weather
UP will see mostly clear skies today. Light fog may persist in Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Kanpur, while winds could cause frost formation. Temperatures in Lucknow have dropped slightly compared to the previous day, though sunshine is expected during the afternoon. Orange alerts have been issued for several districts, with light rain forecasted in western UP on 18–19 January.

Uttarakhand Weather
Weather will remain dry across all districts of Uttarakhand. Dense to very dense fog may occur in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, with scattered fog in the plains of Nainital, Champawat, Pauri, and Dehradun. Dense fog and frost in hilly regions are affecting normal life, while bright sunlight during the day may cause temperature fluctuations.