Western Disturbance to bring snow, hail and rain across north and central India from Jan 26: IMD bulletin
IMD forecast says a new western disturbance from January 26 will trigger widespread rain/snow in the western Himalayas and storms in adjoining plains, with peak intensity expected around January 27–28 and continued fog and cold-wave pockets till January 26.
Fresh weather system from January 26
A new western disturbance is set to affect large parts of north, northwest and central India starting January 26, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department’s latest all-India weather bulletin referenced in the report.
The disturbance is expected to initiate an active wet spell over the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains, bringing rain, snowfall and thunderstorm activity. The report notes that western disturbances typically originate over the Mediterranean and travel eastward, influencing winter precipitation over northern India.
January 27–28 expected to be the most disruptive
The IMD forecast described in the report indicates the most intense phase is likely on January 27 and January 28. It flags the possibility of heavy rainfall/snowfall at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh and the Jammu & Kashmir–Ladakh region.
Hailstorms and thunderstorms are also forecast at isolated places across hill states and some adjoining areas, while gusty winds are expected in parts of the plains. The report adds that storms could extend into regions such as Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, besides activity over Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Marine and fog advisories
Beyond the north, the bulletin referenced by the report includes a marine warning: squally winds of around 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected over waters such as the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area, with fishermen advised to exercise caution.
The report also notes that dense to very dense fog is expected in pockets over parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on January 25 and January 26, with fog also likely in other regions. Cold-wave conditions are expected in isolated pockets in a few states till January 26.
Travel and disruption risks
The IMD-linked travel advisory highlighted in the report warns that heavy snowfall and hail in mountain areas may affect road connectivity and tourism activity, while thunderstorms, gusty winds and fog in plains could disrupt flights, trains and highway traffic in some belts.