Key Points:
- IMD red alert for Uttar Pradesh, J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Kerala, Ladakh, and Tamil Nadu
- Wind speeds up to 60 kmph predicted in affected regions
- Srinagar temperature to drop to minus 8 degrees Celsius
- Delhi minimum temperature expected at 5 degrees Celsius
- Heavy snowfall warnings for Manali, Kangra, Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh
- Cold wave warnings for 12 districts across North India
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a comprehensive red alert on Saturday, warning of deteriorating weather conditions across eight major states. The alert, valid for January 24, 2026, encompasses Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Kerala, Ladakh, and Tamil Nadu. Senior IMD scientist Dr. R.K. Jenamani stated that a western disturbance interacting with lower-level easterlies is creating this severe weather pattern, which is expected to persist for at least the next 48 to 72 hours.
Jammu and Kashmir: Minus 8 Degrees in Srinagar
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains particularly critical. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 7.2 degrees Celsius early Saturday, and the mercury is expected to slide further to minus 8 degrees Celsius by Sunday morning. The famous Dal Lake has frozen partially, disrupting local transport. Heavy snowfall continues to batter the Pir Panjal range, with Poonch and Rajouri districts receiving over 15 centimeters of fresh snow in the last 24 hours. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains closed for the second consecutive day, stranding hundreds of vehicles.
Himachal Pradesh: Heavy Snowfall Paralyzes Hill Stations
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing one of its most intense winter spells in recent years. The IMD has issued heavy snowfall warnings for popular tourist destinations, including Manali, Kangra, and Kasauli, where accumulations could reach 30-40 centimeters. Kullu and Shimla are receiving moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures hovering around the freezing point. The state government has ordered the closure of schools in nine districts until January 27, and advisories have been issued against non-essential travel to higher altitudes. Power supply remains disrupted in remote areas of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts.
Uttarakhand: Temperatures Plummet in Himalayan Districts
Districts like Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Nainital in Uttarakhand have recorded a significant drop in temperature due to continuous rain and snowfall. The Badrinath and Kedarnath highways are open only for emergency services, affecting Char Dham pilgrims. The state disaster response force has been placed on high alert, with teams deployed in vulnerable locations. Dehradun experienced incessant rain throughout Friday night, causing waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
Delhi-NCR: Clear Skies, Biting Cold
Despite clear skies since morning, Delhi is gripped by a severe cold wave. The minimum temperature is expected to drop to 5 degrees Celsius on Saturday night, with wind chill making it feel like 3 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a special cold wave warning for 12 districts across North India, including Mathura, Prayagraj, Agra, Jhansi, and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. In Punjab, icy winds blowing at 15 to 20 kilometers per hour are causing significant temperature drops in Amritsar, Patiala, and Bathinda. Dense fog reduced visibility to less than 50 meters at Indira Gandhi International Airport early Saturday, delaying 47 flights.
Southern States: Unexpected Heavy Rainfall
In an unusual winter pattern, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been included in the red alert due to heavy rainfall triggered by a cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area. Kochi received 89 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours, causing urban flooding in several parts of the city. The IMD has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea along the Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts, with wind speeds expected to reach 55-60 kilometers per hour.
Regional Forecast: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh faces a double threat of heavy rain and a subsequent cold wave. A heavy rain alert covers Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, with daytime temperatures expected to drop by 6-8 degrees Celsius. The rain will transition to a severe cold wave by Sunday, prompting the state government to consider extending school winter holidays.
In Bihar, Patna and surrounding districts remain cloudy with cold wave conditions and dense fog prevailing in the Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions, including Purnea, Araria, and Saharsa. Visibility dropped to 30 meters in Purnea on Saturday morning, affecting road and rail traffic.
Rajasthan receives respite from rain but faces a severe cold wave alert for districts like Jaipur, Sikar, and Udaipur. Night temperatures in these areas are expected to dip to 2-3 degrees Celsius, with ground frost likely to damage standing rabi crops.
Madhya Pradesh will experience intense cold over the next 72 hours, particularly affecting Bhopal, Gwalior, and Datia. The state has recorded its lowest January temperatures in five years, with Gwalior registering 3.4 degrees Celsius on Friday night.
Government Advisory and Precautions
The National Disaster Management Authority has activated its emergency response protocols, urging people to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Special advisories have been issued for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and infants. Farmers have been advised to protect crops through mulching and irrigation, while commuters are warned about icy roads and poor visibility conditions.
