Delhi-NCR, UP Weather Update: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Likely On January 28, IMD Issues Red Alert

Cold conditions across North India have reached their peak, and a major weather shift is expected on January 28, 2026. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are set to witness severe weather, with a red alert issued for several regions.

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph, and hailstorms are likely. From heavy snowfall in the hills to stormy rain in the plains, sunshine may remain absent in many areas throughout the day.

After Republic Day, this sudden change in weather could disrupt travel, traffic and daily life. Here is the complete weather update for January 28, including state-wise alerts and the outlook for the coming days.

Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Thunderstorms and Rain Throughout the Day

Delhi-NCR is expected to remain under thick cloud cover on January 28. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms may occur intermittently from morning till evening. Wind speeds are likely to range between 30 and 50 kmph.

• Maximum temperature: 17-19°C, around 3-5°C below normal
• Minimum temperature: 11-13°C, about 1.6-3°C above normal
• Wind direction: North to east
• Humidity: 60-90 percent

Similar conditions are expected in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad. Strong winds and rainfall may affect air shows, traffic movement and power supply in parts of the region.

Uttar Pradesh Weather Update: Heavy Rain in East, Storm Risk in West

Due to the impact of a western disturbance, weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh are likely to worsen on January 28. Eastern Uttar Pradesh may experience moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and winds blowing at 30-40 kmph. Some parts of western Uttar Pradesh could also see stormy rain and hailstorms.

Districts under alert include:

Lucknow, Barabanki, Unnao, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Sitapur, Raebareli, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Gonda, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur and Lakhimpur Kheri.

Minimum temperatures may rise by 3-5°C initially, followed by a drop from January 29. Dense fog is expected in the Terai regions during morning hours.

Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana: Fog and Cold Wave Conditions

• Chandigarh: Cloudy skies throughout the day, dense fog in the morning and light rainfall by afternoon. Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail.
• Punjab: Dense fog and cold wave conditions are expected between January 28 and 30. Minimum temperatures may drop by 3-5°C.
• Haryana: Dense fog during morning and night hours, with cold wave conditions likely to continue till January 31.

Rajasthan Weather News: Rain, Fog and Continuing Cold Wave

Western and northern Rajasthan may witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds on January 28. Cold wave conditions are expected in the Shekhawati region. Dense fog is likely between January 28 and 30 in several parts of the state.

Himachal Pradesh and Bihar: Snowfall, Rain and Fog

Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive heavy snowfall and rainfall on January 28, along with thunderstorms and strong winds of 40-60 kmph. Minimum temperatures may rise by 3-5°C initially, followed by cold wave conditions and dense fog between January 29 and 31.

In Bihar, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and winds of 30-40 kmph is likely on January 28. Dense fog is expected from January 29 to 31.

Where the Sun May Remain Absent All Day

On January 28, sunshine may remain elusive throughout the day in the following regions:
Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan.

Advisory: Stay Alert and Follow Updates

Residents are advised to take IMD warnings seriously and remain cautious. Avoid open areas during lightning and strong winds, check weather updates before travelling, and drive carefully in dense fog due to low visibility. In hilly regions, heavy snowfall may lead to road closures.

Storms, hail and dense fog on January 28 are expected to pose major challenges across North India. Stay alert and prioritise safety.

Source: IMD