Weather Update – 6 January 2026: Rain, Snowfall to Intensify Cold; IMD Issues Alerts Across Northern India

Severe cold and dense fog continue to grip much of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of persistent fog in several northern states over the next few days. Frost and cold-wave conditions are expected in many regions.

Northern India Faces Intense Cold
Dense fog and plummeting temperatures are causing severe discomfort in northern India. Himalayan states are experiencing heavy snowfall, adding to the challenges. The IMD predicts that from 6–10 January, thick to very dense fog is likely during morning hours in north-west, central, eastern, and north-eastern India. States including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal may experience frost and cold-wave conditions.

Between 5–7 January, parts of eastern and western Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and the Ganga plains of West Bengal are expected to witness cold-day conditions. Meanwhile, from 6–10 January, cold waves may sweep across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and parts of Chhattisgarh.

Southern India may also experience rain in the coming days. Light thunderstorms with rain are expected in Tamil Nadu on 8–9 January, while heavy rainfall is likely in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe on 9–10 January.

City-wise Weather Forecast

• Delhi & NCR: Cold, foggy mornings continue, with pollution aggravating discomfort. Minimum temperature is expected around 7°C, with maximum near 19°C. Moderate fog is likely in the morning.
• Uttar Pradesh: Chilly winds from the mountains are causing severe cold. While sunlight appeared in Lucknow on Monday, it had little effect. Fog may reduce slightly over the next two days, but mornings and evenings will remain difficult. Temperature fluctuations are expected.
• Bihar: Dense fog has slowed daily life, particularly in districts like West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj. Disruptions in road, rail, and air transport are possible. Weak westerly winds and high humidity may prolong foggy conditions until 7 January.
• Rajasthan: Most parts of the state are experiencing severe cold. Minimum temperatures may drop another 1–2°C in the coming days, with cold waves and dense morning fog likely in several areas.

Selected City Temperatures (6 January 2026)

City	Max Temp	Min Temp
Delhi	18°C	7°C
Mumbai	29°C	24°C
Kolkata	21°C	12°C
Chennai	28°C	25°C
Lucknow	17°C	9°C
Patna	15°C	9°C
Ranchi	19°C	6°C
Jaipur	20°C	8°C
Bhopal	21°C	7°C
Shimla	12°C	-1°C
Nainital	14°C	3°C

Jammu & Kashmir: Cold intensifies; Gulmarg records -8.8°C. Srinagar records -3.6°C. Fresh snowfall has been reported in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, though heavy snow has not yet occurred in the valley. Dry conditions are expected until 20 January, reducing the likelihood of significant snowfall during the remaining Chillai-Kalan period.

Himachal Pradesh: Light rain or snowfall is expected in higher elevations. A yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in Solan, Sirmaur, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Mandi districts from 6–9 January.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against cold waves and dense fog, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.