New Year Celebrations Marked by Cold Weather Across Northern India
Severe Cold Welcomes the New Year in Northern India
On the first day of 2026, a significant chill swept across much of Northern India, with heavy snowfall blanketing the higher regions of Kashmir. Delhi also experienced a cold spell, recording its coldest December day in six years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cold will intensify in the Delhi-NCR region, Punjab, and Haryana, with rain and thunderstorms expected later in the day.
In the national capital, the New Year commenced under chilly and overcast conditions on Thursday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10.6 degrees Celsius, with the IMD forecasting light rain throughout the day. Early morning reports indicated light rain in Palam, with temperatures recorded at 9 degrees in Palam, 9.9 degrees at Ridge, 10 degrees at Lodhi Road, 10.3 degrees in Ayanagar, and 10.6 degrees at Safdarjung. Delhi concluded 2025 with a severe cold snap, as Wednesday's maximum temperature reached only 14.2 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest December day in six years.
Mumbai Welcomes 2026 with Rain and Improved Air Quality
Meanwhile, Mumbai ushered in the New Year with unexpected rainfall, which helped reduce pollution levels and created a pleasant atmosphere for residents. The air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 103 by 11 AM, falling within the moderate category. Rainfall, attributed to a western disturbance, began just before 6 AM, with varying intensities across different areas. By 6:15 AM, the downpour had gradually subsided.
Social media users reacted to the unusual weather, with one commenting on nature's way of celebrating the revolution around the sun, while another criticized authorities for their failure to manage air quality effectively. A user expressed a feeling reminiscent of Manali in Mumbai, hoping the rain would aid in reducing pollution.
New Year Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh Under Tight Security
In Uttar Pradesh, the New Year's Eve was celebrated with a festive spirit amidst stringent security measures. Crowds gathered at public squares, riverbanks, religious sites, and shopping centers throughout the state. Extensive security arrangements were implemented to ensure a peaceful celebration, with traffic inspections in smaller districts and multi-layered security in larger urban centers. The Government Railway Police (GRP) reported thorough searches at railway stations in Lucknow and Ayodhya, deploying bomb squads and sniffer dogs.
Special Ganga Aarti was performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where 1,001 lamps were lit to welcome 2026, attracting numerous devotees and tourists. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple saw a continuous influx of pilgrims, with around 20 lakh visitors in the past week. Despite the cold weather, celebrations in Lucknow remained vibrant, with people flocking to popular spots. The police increased security measures in anticipation of the festivities.