IMD warns of fresh western disturbance: rain and snow in Himalayas, cold-wave risk in northern plains from 27 Jan
India’s weather turns sharper from Tuesday as the IMD flags a new western disturbance likely to bring widespread rain and snowfall over the western Himalayas, while parts of the northern plains brace for cold-wave and cold-day conditions, dense fog pockets, and gusty winds in isolated areas.
A fresh spell of winter weather is set to affect large parts of north and northwest India from Tuesday (27 January 2026), with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread precipitation over the western Himalayan region and a renewed cold-wave risk in the adjoining plains. The update comes as multiple northern states continue to see low temperatures, fog disruptions and localised weather volatility typical of late January.
Rain and snow likely over western Himalayas
The IMD expects a western disturbance to trigger widespread rainfall and snowfall across Himalayan areas, affecting travel, visibility and daily routines in hill districts. Along with precipitation, the bulletin also points to the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in isolated pockets, especially where the system interacts with moist winds.
Cold-wave and fog threats in the plains
For the plains, the forecast highlights cold-wave and cold-day conditions across parts of the north, along with dense fog in isolated areas. Such conditions can delay road and rail movement, reduce airport visibility windows and raise risks for the elderly, children and people with respiratory illness. In several regions, the day-time chill is expected to remain pronounced when fog persists into late morning.
What residents should watch for
- Travel delays in hill states due to snowfall, slippery roads and sudden visibility drops
- Morning-to-noon fog spells on highways and near rivers/canals in northern plains
- Short, gusty wind events and thunder bursts that can affect power lines and outdoor work
- Cold-day stress for vulnerable groups—plan warm layers, hydration and limited early-morning exposure
The IMD also indicates another bout of unsettled weather may build again around 30 January, suggesting that the week could remain active rather than settling into a stable cold-and-clear pattern. Authorities and residents are advised to track district-level warnings for the most accurate timing and intensity.
Why this matters now: late-January western disturbances often bring quick swings—snow in the hills, fog in the plains, and sharp wind chill—so short-term planning (travel, school transport, farm work, and outdoor labour) becomes especially sensitive to day-to-day IMD updates.