Western disturbance set to trigger rain, snow and cold-wave conditions across north India from Jan 27

Weather shifts from dry cold to active winter spell

A fresh western disturbance is forecast to make winter more intense across north, northwest and parts of central India starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with widespread precipitation in the mountains and unsettled conditions spreading into the plains.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s outlook cited by Indian media, the western Himalayan region should expect widespread rainfall and snowfall. At the same time, several plains districts could see thunderstorms and lightning, along with gusty winds and isolated episodes of dense fog.

Cold wave warnings for the plains

Beyond rain and snow, the bigger impact for many households may be the return of cold-wave and cold-day conditions. The IMD’s advisories indicate that temperatures could remain suppressed, especially during night and early morning hours, increasing the likelihood of cold stress for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Authorities typically advise residents to plan travel carefully during such spells, as fog, wet roads and low visibility can disrupt road and air movement, while the hill states often face temporary highway closures and flight delays during heavy snow.

Another system may follow soon

The IMD has also indicated that another round of unsettled weather could follow later in the week, with a fresh western disturbance likely to influence northwest India around January 30. That means the current spell may not be a one-off, and intermittent precipitation and sharp temperature swings could continue through the end of the month.

With winter hazards ranging from thunderstorms to fog-related accidents and cold exposure, residents are being urged to follow local alerts and advisories, and to prepare for short-notice disruptions in commuting and essential services.