The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a broad weather advisory for 2 January 2026, warning of rain, heavy snowfall in parts of the northern mountain states and widespread dense fog across the plains. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as travel conditions will deteriorate in the early hours across many regions.
India weather warning: where conditions will worsen
The IMD highlighted three northern states — Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir — where rain and heavy snowfall are expected. Hill stations such as Manali, Dalhousie and Lahaul valley are on alert for snowfall, while lower-elevation towns in Uttarakhand including Dehradun, Almora and Nainital may see rain and sleet. Mountain passes and local roads could become treacherous, and authorities have warned of possible travel disruptions.
Across the plains, dense radiation fog will affect at least 24 districts and urban centres. Uttar Pradesh has the largest share of alerts, with districts such as Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Agra among those forecast to experience severe morning fog. Delhi is also forecast to see intense fog during rush hour, and commuters on key corridors including the Akshardham, Delhi–Dehradun and Lucknow expressways were specifically warned to reduce speed.
Impact on Delhi and the surrounding region
In the capital, early-morning visibility will be significantly reduced. The IMD warned that maximum temperatures in Delhi may fall to around 8–9°C during the day, with night-time lows close to 5°C. Road users have been advised to cut speeds and allow extra stopping distance; authorities recommend using fog lamps and avoiding sudden lane changes on affected stretches.
Cold wave and public health concerns
Several states are under cold-wave alerts. Bihar faces a severe cold spell on 2 and 3 January, with parts of the state including Patna, Muzaffarpur and Katihar likely to experience dense fog and sharp temperature falls. Morning maximums in Patna may fall to around 9°C, with night-time temperatures near 5°C. Uttar Pradesh cities, including Lucknow and Kanpur, are expected to see daytime temperatures drop to single digits in places.
Health officials have called for special care for the elderly and children during the cold spell. Exposure to prolonged low temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia and respiratory problems; residents are advised to keep warm, avoid unnecessary night-time travel and check on vulnerable neighbours.
Mountain states and travel advice
In Himachal Pradesh the IMD warned of light rain and snowfall in Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Manali and Kullu. The weather could push Shimla’s daytime temperature down to around 2°C. Uttarakhand districts such as Nainital, Haridwar and Dehradun may experience dense fog and hail at some locations. Drivers in affected areas should expect delays, keep headlights on low beam in fog and reduce speed to approximately 15–20 km/h on particularly hazardous stretches.
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have pockets of rain and fog warnings too: Jaipur, Sikar and Alwar were named among districts likely to see thick morning fog, while Gwalior and Bhind in Madhya Pradesh may experience light rain.
Authorities across states are monitoring conditions closely and will issue updates if the forecast changes. Travellers should check local traffic advisories and weather bulletins before setting out. Schools and care facilities are encouraged to adopt measures to protect children and the elderly while the cold spell persists.
Key Takeaways:
- India weather warning: IMD alerts for rain and heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir on 2 January.
- Dense fog advisory issued for 24 districts and several major routes — commuters urged to travel cautiously.
- Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to experience sharp temperature drops and cold-wave conditions; vulnerable groups advised to take precautions.
