The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest weather forecast said that a fresh Western disturbance will bring a wet spell to Northwest and adjoining central India on January 15 and 16. Dense fog conditions are expected to persist over Northwest India throughout the week. 

IMD issues orange alert for Delhi 

Residents experienced chilly winds and cool conditions on Tuesday morning, as IMD issued an orange alert for the national capital, warning of smog and dense fog in most areas, with very dense fog expected in isolated spots during the morning. Today temperatures will range between 19 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the IMD has forecast showers for January 15 and 16, with a yellow alert in place for January 15. The weather on Wednesday is expected to start with dense fog in the morning, followed by cloudy skies and a chance of very light rain in the evening or night. 

IMD predicts rainfall in southern states

Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely at isolated locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from January 14-15, and in Kerala and Mahe from January 14-16. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are also expected to experience rainfall on January 14, with isolated heavy rainfall predicted over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on January 14, and over Kerala and Mahe on January 15.

Snowfall, hailstorm likely in northern states 

Isolated to scattered rainfall or snowfall activity is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh from January 16-19, and over Uttarakhand from January 15-19. Additionally, isolated rainfall is likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan on January 15-16, and over West Rajasthan on January 15. Isolated hailstorms are also possible in Punjab and Haryana on January 15, while thunderstorm activity is expected at isolated places in Madhya Pradesh on the same day.

IMD predicts severe fog across North India 

Dense to very dense fog conditions are likely to continue during the night and early morning hours across many parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 14 and 15. Uttar Pradesh will also experience dense fog until January 15. In addition, dense fog is expected in isolated areas of West Rajasthan from January 14-15 and on January 17-18, and in East Rajasthan on January 14, 16, 17, and 18. Bihar is likely to experience dense fog until January 14, and Uttarakhand until January 15. Dense fog will also persist in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh from January 16-20, as well as in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha until January 15. Fog is also expected in Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until January 16.

More snowfall, rainfall likely in Himachal 

Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive more snow and rain from January 16-19 due to a fresh western disturbance. On Monday, Gondla and Kalpa saw light snowfall, while Shimla recorded traces. Several areas received rainfall, including Bharmaur and Nahan. The state experienced a cold wave, with temperatures dropping to sub-zero in higher regions like Kukumseri and Tabo. Tourist spots also recorded chilly temperatures, with Narkanda and Manali nearing freezing. Dense fog affected areas like Sundernagar and Mandi, while some regions reported higher-than-usual temperatures. Despite this, the state faced an 81% rainfall deficit from January 1-13.

Mercury drops across Kashmir 

The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather for the valley in the coming days. The region will experience mostly cloudy but dry conditions until January 18, with a chance of light snow at isolated higher elevations on January 15 and 16. The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar developed a thin layer of ice on its surface on Monday. Kashmir is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest phase of winter, which began on December 21. During these 40 days, snowfall is most likely, and temperatures typically drop significantly.