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Weather Changes Mark the Start of 2026 in Northern India

As 2026 begins, Northern India is experiencing significant weather changes, including rain and hail due to an active western disturbance. The Indian Meteorological Department has reported that regions from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi are affected. While the rainfall may benefit rabi crops, there are concerns about potential damage from hail. A yellow alert has been issued, indicating cold wave conditions in several states. Read on to discover how these weather changes are impacting daily life and what to expect in the coming days.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 10:27 IST

Weather Update for the New Year

The year 2026 is commencing with notable weather changes across Northern India. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), several regions experienced hail on December 31 due to an active western disturbance, while light to moderate rainfall has begun today, January 1. This shift is being observed from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.


Key Weather Updates:



  • Hilly Regions: Heavy snowfall and rain continue in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Accumulation of snow in higher altitudes is affecting road conditions.


  • Plains: Light rain or drizzle is reported in Delhi-NCR, western Uttar Pradesh (including Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Saharanpur), and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan (such as Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur). There is a possibility of hail accompanied by thunder in some areas.


  • Cold and Fog: Following the rainfall, a drop in temperature is expected. Dense fog is reducing visibility during mornings and evenings, impacting traffic and flights.


  • Alert: The IMD has issued a yellow alert. Cold wave and cold day conditions persist in several states.



This phase of western disturbance could benefit the rabi crops, although there is a risk of damage from hail. The weather department indicates that conditions will remain unstable for the next 48 hours, after which temperatures may drop further.