IMD flags fresh western disturbance from 26 Jan: snow, hail and thunderstorms; fog and cold wave persist in pockets
The IMD has forecast a new spell of unsettled weather from 26 January across parts of north, northwest and central India, with heavy snowfall/rain in pockets and hailstorms and gusty winds in some areas. The agency also warned dense fog and cold wave conditions may persist in pockets through 26 January.
A fresh western disturbance is set to impact large parts of north, northwest and central India from 26 January 2026, bringing rain and snowfall in the western Himalayan region and the possibility of thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds in adjoining plains, according to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast cited in the report. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-issues-multi-state-alert-for-heavy-snow-hailstorms-and-widespread-rainfall-from-jan-26/articleshow/127443626.cms))
The IMD outlook indicates 27 January is likely to be the most active day, with heavier snowfall/rain expected at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and the Jammu & Kashmir–Ladakh region, alongside hailstorm risk in parts of the hill states. The system is expected to gradually weaken by 28 January, though storm activity may persist in pockets. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-issues-multi-state-alert-for-heavy-snow-hailstorms-and-widespread-rainfall-from-jan-26/articleshow/127443626.cms))
The bulletin also notes that dense to very dense fog conditions may continue in pockets over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on 25–26 January, with cold wave conditions likely in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh and Rajasthan during the same period. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-issues-multi-state-alert-for-heavy-snow-hailstorms-and-widespread-rainfall-from-jan-26/articleshow/127443626.cms))
From a public-health standpoint, such conditions raise risks of hypothermia in vulnerable groups, increased respiratory stress, and accident hazards due to low visibility. People who commute early morning or late night, older adults and those with chronic heart or lung disease should take added precautions, including layered clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure in peak cold.
The report’s travel advisory component flags the likelihood of disruptions: fog can affect flights, trains and highways in parts of north India, while snowfall and hail in hill states can cut road connectivity and slow emergency response. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-issues-multi-state-alert-for-heavy-snow-hailstorms-and-widespread-rainfall-from-jan-26/articleshow/127443626.cms))
Residents in affected regions are advised to track local IMD updates for district-specific warnings, and to plan road travel with buffer time, lights/fog lamps where appropriate, and emergency supplies (warm clothing, water and snacks), especially in hill routes where sudden closures can strand vehicles.