Severe Cold Grips Northern India as New Year Begins

As 2026 kicks off, Northern India is experiencing a severe cold wave, with heavy snowfall in Kashmir and record low temperatures in Delhi. The India Meteorological Department has predicted further drops in temperature and rain across various regions. Tourists flocked to Himachal Pradesh, but many missed the snowfall. Meanwhile, Kolkata is facing unusual cold conditions, with temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. This article explores the ongoing weather patterns and their impact on the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 11:30 IST

Cold Wave Hits Northern India

On the first day of 2026, a significant cold wave swept across much of Northern India, with heavy snowfall blanketing the higher regions of Kashmir. Following the coldest December day in six years recorded in the capital, Delhi continued to experience chilly weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted an increase in cold conditions across the Delhi-NCR region, Punjab, and Haryana, with rain and thunderstorms expected later in the day. Meanwhile, Mumbai welcomed the New Year with heavy rainfall, affecting several areas of the financial capital.

Continued Cold in Delhi

Strong easterly winds at the surface have led to thunderstorms in northwestern Rajasthan, with this weather system expected to move towards Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Punjab by the afternoon. The IMD predicts a rapid drop in temperatures in the national capital, which is currently shrouded in dense fog, resulting in "very poor" air quality.

Record Low Temperatures in Delhi

The year 2025 ended with a cold snap in the capital, marking the coldest December day in six years, with maximum temperatures plummeting to 14.2 degrees Celsius. The last time such low temperatures were recorded in Delhi was on December 31, 2019, when the maximum temperature fell to 9.4 degrees Celsius.

Cold Weather Forecast

The IMD has indicated that from January 3, the minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to drop further due to cold northern winds coming from the Himalayan region.

Himachal Pradesh Welcomes Tourists Amid Snow

In neighboring Himachal Pradesh, where tourists flocked to celebrate the New Year, light snowfall occurred in the higher regions of Kullu district, including the Rohtang Pass, as well as in parts of Lahaul and Spiti. However, thousands of tourists in popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasauli, and Dalhousie did not witness any snowfall.

Snowfall in Kashmir

Kashmir turned white with fresh snowfall in popular areas like Gurez, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg during the ongoing 'Chilla-e-Kalan,' a 40-day period known for extreme cold and freezing conditions. Despite the snowfall, temperatures remained above average for the season, as reported by MeT officials.

Temperature Records in Kashmir

Gulmarg recorded the lowest temperature at -3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperatures in the capital Srinagar and Pahalgam were noted at 2.3 degrees and -2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Unusual Cold in Kolkata

Interestingly, Kolkata experienced unusual cold weather, with minimum temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius. The weather department has stated that this cold spell is expected to persist until next week.

Darjeeling's Low Temperatures

The lowest temperature recorded in the tourist town of Darjeeling was 3.4 degrees Celsius. Light rain or snowfall is anticipated in the upper regions of Darjeeling in the coming days.

Forecast for Sub-Himalayan Districts

In fact, light rain is likely in the sub-Himalayan districts of Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar over the next three days.