Weather Today, 01 January 2026: New Year Brings Cold Wave, Rain Alerts from Delhi to Rajasthan

New Delhi: As the nation rings in the New Year, a sharp cold wave and scattered rain are expected across several states in North India, including Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for rainfall over the next 48 hours, signaling a chilly start to 2026.

Rain Alert for Delhi and Surrounding Regions
Delhi is expected to experience the first rains of the season on New Year’s Day. Minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 3–4°C over the next two days before dropping by 2–3°C, keeping nighttime temperatures higher than usual. Maximum temperatures, however, are forecasted to remain 3–5°C below normal over the next four days. Morning fog and cold conditions will persist throughout the day.

A cyclonic circulation over Punjab and Haryana may cause light, scattered rain in Delhi-NCR tonight and into New Year’s Day. From 3 January onwards, a more severe cold wave is expected, with minimum temperatures potentially falling below 5°C as chilly northern winds descend from the Himalayas.

Weather Outlook Across North India

• Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad: Rain and snowfall expected at several locations on 1 January.
• Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Light to moderate rain and snowfall likely from 31 December to 2 January.
• Punjab & Haryana: Light to moderate rain on 31 December and 1 January.
• Western Rajasthan: Light rain on 31 December.

Statewise Temperature Forecast (°C) – 01 January 2026

• Delhi: 9–11 | 16–18
• Mumbai: 18–20 | 28–30
• Kolkata: 13–15 | 23–25
• Chennai: 21–23 | 29–31
• Bengaluru: 15–17 | 25–27
• Lucknow: 8–10 | 17–19
• Patna: 10–12 | 18–20
• Bhopal: 9–11 | 20–22
• Chandigarh: 7–9 | 16–18
• Ranchi: 9–11 | 19–21
• Raipur: 14–16 | 26–28

Rajasthan Weather Update
Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur districts may experience light rain or drizzle due to an active western disturbance. Dense fog is expected in northern and western Rajasthan from 1–3 January, reducing visibility during early mornings. A cold wave is anticipated in Shekhawati between 2–4 January, with minimum temperatures dropping sharply to 2–4°C.

Jammu & Kashmir Outlook
Several higher-altitude areas have recorded fresh snowfall, with light to moderate rain and snow expected over the next 24 hours. Despite snowfall, valley regions remain unusually warm, with temperatures 3–7°C above normal. Areas including Gurez (Bandipora), Gulmarg (Baramulla), and Machil (Kupwara) have received fresh snow, while higher altitude regions may see moderate to heavy snowfall.

As 2026 begins, residents of North India, especially in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir, are advised to stay prepared for cold waves, rain, and snowfall.

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