Delhi NCR Residents Wake Up To Dense Fog; IMD Predicts Rain And Snow In The Himalayan Region; Check Here

A strong cold wave has affected large parts of North India, including Delhi, making daily life difficult for people. Dense fog and mist have reduced visibility in many areas, while low temperatures have increased the chill.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for cold wave and severe cold wave conditions in several northern and eastern states.

According to the weather department, cold conditions are expected to continue for the next two to three days in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha. After this period, a slow improvement in temperatures may be seen.

Dense Fog Likely to Continue

The IMD has predicted dense to very dense fog in north-west India and Bihar for the next five to six days. Cold day conditions are also likely to remain in parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand for the next two days.

Low visibility due to fog has disrupted road, rail and air travel in several regions. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during early morning and late evening hours.

Rain and Snowfall Expected in Hill States

Weather conditions are set to change in the Himalayan region. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between January 16 and January 21.

In addition, isolated rainfall may occur from January 18 to January 20 in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, eastern Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. These weather changes could further lower temperatures in nearby plains.

Delhi-NCR Sees Coldest Day of the Season

Delhi-NCR has been experiencing cold wave conditions for the fifth straight day. Thursday turned out to be the coldest day of the season in the capital, with the minimum temperature falling to 2.9 degrees Celsius. In Palam, the temperature dropped to 2.3 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded in the last 20 years.

Cold conditions are expected to continue on Friday as well, though some cloud cover may appear in the evening. Delhi's air quality also worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 343, placing it in the 'very poor' category.

Weather Update From Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand

In Uttar Pradesh, the cold has returned after brief relief from sunshine during the afternoons. The weather department has predicted rainfall in parts of the state on January 19 and 20, which may further increase the chill.

Uttarakhand is also witnessing changing weather conditions. Light rainfall is expected in areas such as Chamoli and Uttarkashi, while snowfall is likely in higher-altitude regions. Cold day conditions are expected in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, with cold winds continuing to trouble residents.

Schools Closed Due to Weather and Magh Mela

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, schools will remain closed until January 20 due to the Magh Mela and the upcoming Mauni Amavasya. The district administration has announced holidays for all government and private schools from Classes 1 to 8 between January 16 and January 20. During this period, online classes will continue to ensure that students' studies are not affected.

The Magh Mela is held every year on the banks of the Ganga and at the Sangam, attracting millions of devotees from across the country.
Meanwhile, schools in Chandigarh have been closed until January 17, 2026, due to cold and foggy weather. The District Education Office has extended winter vacations and revised school timings for all government, government-aided and private schools across the Union Territory.

Schools in Delhi and Noida were closed until January 15 due to dense fog and falling temperatures. In Gurugram, schools from Nursery to Class 10 will reopen on January 19. In Ghaziabad, classes for Nursery to Class 5 remain closed, while Classes 6 to 12 continue with revised timings from 10 am to 3 pm.

The IMD has warned that dense to very dense fog is likely to continue in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab until January 20, 2026.