India’s weather patterns have shifted dramatically, bringing a mix of relentless cold, heavy showers, snowfall, and gusty winds across the nation. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the rugged terrains of the hills, the mercury is dipping and skies are unleashing fury. This January, the national capital has witnessed the highest rainfall in four years, with 24 mm recorded so far. Tuesday’s downpour came with thunder, drenching the city and disrupting daily life.
Meteorologists predict Delhi’s minimum temperature to hover around 12°C and maximum at 18°C on January 28, with light fog in the morning giving way to afternoon sunshine. From January 28 to 31, daytime highs could rise by 1-2°C, offering brief respite. However, February 1 spells trouble again, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for intense rainfall.
In Uttarakhand, January 28 brings thunderstorms, fierce winds up to 60 km/h, heavy rain, and snow in higher reaches. Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar face light to moderate showers with gusts of 30-40 km/h. Sikkim has warnings for hailstorms in isolated pockets. A fresh western disturbance is brewing, set to hit northwest India from January 30 night, triggering renewed rain and snow in the western Himalayas and plains on February 1-2.
Dense fog looms over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Delhi from January 28-30, especially mornings and nights. Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar will also grapple with visibility issues. Cold day conditions and cold waves are forecast for Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana until January 31.
Himachal’s Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts are under orange alert due to heavy snowfall. Recent dumps include 22 cm in Gondhla, 21.3 cm in Kukumseri, and 20 cm in Kothi. Tabo recorded the state’s lowest at -8.9°C. In Jammu and Kashmir, severe snow has paralyzed life: 58 flights canceled at Srinagar airport, Jammu-Srinagar highway shut, and avalanche warnings issued. Rescue operations continue amid the chaos.
