The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir on January 5 and over Himachal Pradesh on January 5 and 6, with light to moderate rainfall or snowfall likely in Uttarakhand on January 6. Dense fog is expected to persist over parts of North India during late-night and early morning hours but is likely to improve from today. 

Additionally, a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-5 degrees Celsius is forecast for the Western Himalayan region, Northwest India, and Central & East India over the next three days, followed by a drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius thereafter. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Gujarat are likely to experience steady minimum temperatures for the next two days, with a subsequent fall expected.

Delhi weather forecast 

The weather department forecasts a partly cloudy sky for Sunday, with surface winds predominantly from the southeast at less than 4 kmph in the morning. Smog and moderate fog are expected across most areas, with dense fog likely in a few spots during the early hours.

Wind speeds are predicted to increase to 8-10 kmph in the afternoon before dropping to below 6 kmph by evening and night. Smog or shallow to moderate fog may persist during the evening and night. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 18 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will likely hover around 10 degrees Celsius.

Cold wave grips Odisha

Odisha experienced cold wave conditions on Saturday, with temperatures dropping to 4.6 degrees Celsius in G Udaygiri, Kandhamal district, according to the IMD. Ten locations recorded temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, including Semiliguda at 5.5 degrees Celsius, Phulbani at 7.5 degrees Celsius, and Rourkela at 8.7 degrees Celsius. Bhubaneswar registered the season’s lowest at 12.7 degrees Celsius, while Cuttack recorded 12.4 degrees Celsius.

The IMD predicts no significant change in minimum temperatures over the next two days, with a possible rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius thereafter. Light to moderate fog is expected on Sunday morning in several districts, including Angul, Dhenkanal, Khurda, and Cuttack.

Orange alert for fresh snowfall issued in parts of Himachal

An orange alert has been issued for snowfall and rain on Sunday in Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts. The Met office has predicted snow and rain across Himachal Pradesh on Sunday and Monday, with isolated areas in the middle and higher hills likely to experience the weather conditions on Tuesday.

Fresh snowfall and rainfall are expected in many high and mid-hill areas on January 5 and 6, while the lower hills and plains are also forecast to receive rain during this time. Isolated snowfall and rain are likely in the high and mid hills on January 7, with clear weather anticipated statewide from January 8 onward.

Meanwhile, Shimla recorded its highest-ever maximum January temperature of 22 degrees Celsius on January 3, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 21.4 degrees Celsius set on January 30, 2006. The hill station also logged its second-highest minimum January temperature at 11.5 degrees Celsius, trailing the record of 12.7 degrees Celsius set on January 24, 2009.

Kashmir braces for widespread snowfall 

A moderate to strong western disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir, bringing light to moderate snowfall at most places, with peak activity from Saturday night to Monday morning. Heavy snowfall is likely in the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and the Chenab valley during this period.

The Met office has issued an ‘orange’ warning for Sunday, predicting widespread snowfall with heavy snow at isolated locations. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, known for skiing, registered minus 2.2 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and Konibal recorded lows of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, and Qazigund, the coldest spot, logged minus 6.6 degrees Celsius.