Weather Update, 23 January: Heavy Rain and Storm Alert in 9 States, Cold Wave in 17 Cities, IMD Issues Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather alert for nine states, warning of heavy rain and storms over the next 24 hours. In addition, 17 districts in northern India are expected to experience a cold wave. Residents are advised to remain cautious.

States Under Rain and Storm Alert
The IMD has forecast heavy rain accompanied by strong winds 40–65 km/h in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Hilly regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see heavy snowfall.

Cold Wave in Northern Cities
A cold wave is expected in 17 districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab:

• UP: Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Barabanki, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut
• Haryana: Gurugram, Sonipat, Panipat
• Punjab: Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala

Morning temperatures may drop by 1–2°C, with winds up to 15 km/h in some areas. Dense fog may also reduce visibility in several northern regions.

State-wise Weather Highlights

• Delhi: Rain likely, strong winds, morning fog; max 17°C, min 5°C
• Uttar Pradesh: Moderate to heavy rain in most districts; slight drop in temperature
• Bihar: No major alerts; fog clearing; Patna max 21°C, min 12°C
• Uttarakhand: Moderate to heavy rain; temperature drop 2–3°C; Nainital max 12°C, min 4°C
• Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rainfall in Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti; winds 40–50 km/h; Manali max –7°C, min –12°C
• Rajasthan: Rain and thunderstorms in Churu, Sikar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer; Jaipur max 19°C, min 9°C
• Madhya Pradesh: Light to moderate rain in Morena, Bhopal, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari; temperature drop 2–3°C

City-wise Forecast for 23 January:

City	Max Temp	Min Temp
Delhi	17°C	05°C
Mumbai	27°C	22°C
Kolkata	25°C	14°C
Chennai	28°C	23°C
Lucknow	22°C	12°C
Patna	21°C	12°C
Ranchi	24°C	11°C
Bhopal	25°C	13°C
Jaipur	19°C	07°C
Shimla	06°C	01°C
Nainital	12°C	04°C

The IMD has urged citizens to take precautionary measures in affected areas, particularly in northern and western states, as heavy rainfall, storms, and cold waves could affect daily life and travel.