IMD warns of fresh western disturbance; heavy snow, hail and rain likely from 26 January
The India Meteorological Department has issued multi-state alerts as a western disturbance is set to bring heavy snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across large parts of north, northwest and central India from 26 January, with impacts peaking around 27 January.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
Alerts issued for snow, hail and storms
A new western disturbance is expected to impact India from Sunday, 26 January 2026, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a multi-state alert for heavy snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms and widespread rainfall. The system is likely to influence weather across northern and northwestern India and extend its effect into parts of central India as well, increasing the risk of sudden changes in visibility and road conditions.
According to the IMD outlook cited in reports, the intensity is expected to ramp up sharply on Monday, 27 January, when the heaviest snowfall and the most pronounced hail and wind activity are forecast. Even as the disturbance begins to weaken from Tuesday, 28 January, stormy conditions may persist in some pockets, especially where localised thunderstorms and gusty winds develop.
Fog and cold wave conditions before the shift
Before the disturbance fully takes hold, dense fog and cold-wave-like conditions are expected to continue through 26 January in parts of north India. This overlap can complicate travel planning, as fog-related disruptions may be followed by precipitation and snow-related closures in higher reaches.
Authorities and travellers have been urged to factor in the possibility of transport disruptions, including slower road travel, potential highway blocks in snow-prone belts, and knock-on delays in air and rail movement in areas affected by low visibility or severe weather. Outdoor activities in hill stations may also be affected if snowfall becomes heavy and sustained.
What residents can do
- Check local advisories and route updates before long-distance travel, especially into hill districts.
- Keep buffers for fog-related delays early on 26 January and storm-related disruption from 26–28 January.
- In hail-prone areas, protect vehicles and vulnerable crops where possible.
With the Republic Day holiday period driving movement across cities and tourist hubs, weather-driven disruption could be higher than usual. People are advised to follow district-level warnings and heed any closures or restrictions announced by local administration and disaster response agencies.