IMD warns of rain and snow in western Himalayas, cold wave and dense fog in plains from January 27

A fresh spell of winter weather was set to impact north, northwest and parts of central India starting January 27, 2026, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rain and snowfall in the western Himalayan region and a combination of thunderstorms, gusty winds, dense fog pockets and cold-wave or cold-day conditions across several plains. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-forecasts-widespread-rain-and-snow-in-western-himalayas-cold-wave-in-plains/articleshow/127588200.cms))

What IMD forecast for January 27–28

IMD’s bulletin pointed to fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on January 27, with activity continuing over Uttarakhand on January 28. It also warned of isolated heavy rain/snow in parts of the hill states and the chance of hailstorms in a few regions on January 27. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-forecasts-widespread-rain-and-snow-in-western-himalayas-cold-wave-in-plains/articleshow/127588200.cms))

Health and safety risks: cold, fog, and travel disruption

While the forecast is a weather bulletin, the public health implications are immediate: cold-wave conditions can raise the risk of hypothermia for vulnerable groups, worsen respiratory symptoms, and increase strain on people with heart and lung disease. Dense fog can reduce visibility and contribute to road accidents and transport delays, which often lead to long exposures in the cold and disruptions in emergency access. IMD cautioned that fog can affect road, rail and air travel and advised precautions such as careful driving and checking schedules. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-forecasts-widespread-rain-and-snow-in-western-himalayas-cold-wave-in-plains/articleshow/127588200.cms))

What to do if you’re in affected areas

• Limit early-morning exposure during cold-wave and fog hours; keep children and elderly warm indoors
• If you must commute, allow extra time and use fog lights; avoid high speed in low visibility
• For travellers to hill regions, monitor local advisories as snowfall can trigger road closures
• If you have asthma/COPD/heart conditions, keep medicines accessible and avoid prolonged cold exposure

More unsettled weather likely near month-end

The IMD outlook noted another western disturbance approaching northwest India from the night of January 30, suggesting that precipitation and temperature swings could continue into the end of January. That means households and local administrations may need to plan for repeated foggy mornings, intermittent rain, and cold spells rather than a quick one-day event. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-forecasts-widespread-rain-and-snow-in-western-himalayas-cold-wave-in-plains/articleshow/127588200.cms))

For health systems, the combination of cold stress, respiratory flare-ups and accident risk during fog-heavy days often drives higher emergency visits—making timely, localised advisories and community support (especially for outdoor workers) an important part of winter preparedness. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/whats-the-weather-today-imd-forecasts-widespread-rain-and-snow-in-western-himalayas-cold-wave-in-plains/articleshow/127588200.cms))