IMD issues multi-state alert: heavy snow, hail, thunderstorms and fog risks from Jan 26
The India Meteorological Department warned of a fresh western disturbance from January 26, forecasting rain, snowfall and hailstorms across parts of north, northwest and central India. The alert also flagged dense fog pockets and rough sea conditions, with potential travel disruption around Republic Day.
Western disturbance set to intensify weather from January 26
A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring a spell of unsettled weather across large parts of north, northwest and central India from January 26, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The forecast includes rain, snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds and fluctuating temperatures, with heavier activity expected across the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains.
The timing is significant because January 26 is Republic Day in India, when travel movement is typically high and outdoor events are planned in many cities. The IMD advisory highlights that weather and visibility issues could affect road, rail and air movement, and also cautions coastal users about rough marine conditions in some areas.
Where impacts could be strongest
The IMD bulletin points to isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall in parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, and the possibility of hailstorms and squally winds in some regions. The system is expected to ramp up after its onset, with intense spells forecast around January 27 and January 28. In hill states, heavy snow can quickly disrupt road connectivity in higher reaches, affecting tourism movement and local supply lines.
In the plains, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and hail can create short bursts of disruption—downed branches, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and sudden delays in transport corridors. The alert also notes that fog conditions have been persistent in parts of north India and may continue in pockets through January 26, affecting morning visibility.
Travel and safety advisory for the long weekend
The IMD warning is, in effect, a planning cue: travellers should factor in possible flight delays due to fog, slower highway movement in dense-visibility conditions, and the possibility of temporary closures on mountain routes after fresh snowfall. Those in hill districts may face short-term power or road disruptions in the event of intense hail or snow accumulation.
For coastal waters in the far south, the IMD bulletin also mentions squally conditions and rough seas in specific zones, which typically triggers advisories for small fishing vessels and other marine activity. The broader takeaway for the Republic Day period is to monitor local district-level weather bulletins and avoid last-minute travel assumptions.