North India sees intense cold and fog due to a western disturbance, but weather is expected to clear by Republic Day with cold but largely dry conditions.
In the national capital, daytime temperatures are forecast to stay mild, while cold early mornings may persist. (Photo: Social Media)
A strong western disturbance has pushed temperatures down across much of northern India, bringing snow to the mountains and cold winds to the plains. The transition from rain and snowfall into biting cold has caught the attention of residents and authorities alike, especially with Republic Day on January 26 nearing, raising questions about whether the celebrations will be affected by adverse weather.
Despite the earlier cold spell, forecasts suggest improving conditions by Republic Day on January 26. Weather models indicate that the western disturbance will weaken slightly by then, reducing the likelihood of rain or snow in most parts of North India. Morning fog may still linger in some areas, but no major rainfall is expected during the parade. This should allow India’s annual Republic Day celebrations in the national capital to proceed without significant weather disruption.
In the national capital, daytime temperatures are forecast to stay mild, while cold early mornings may persist. Residents and visitors to the event should expect clear to partly cloudy skies with chilly breezes but no heavy weather hassles.
Weather officials say the current western disturbance has been responsible for widespread snow in the hills and colder winds over the plains. Snowfall and rain in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Uttarakhand have pushed temperatures sharply lower, prompting dense fog in several locations. Major roads in the hilly regions remain affected due to icy conditions and reduced visibility.
बहु मौसम संबंधी चेतावनी
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) January 23, 2026
मुख्यबिंदु:
(i) स्पष्ट रूप से चिह्नित निम्न दबाव क्षेत्र के कारण, पश्चिमी हिमालय क्षेत्र में हल्की से मध्यम व्यापक वर्षा/हिमपात और कुछ स्थानों पर भारी से बहुत भारी वर्षा होने की संभावना है; उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत के मैदानी इलाकों में भी आज, 23 जनवरी, 2026 को… pic.twitter.com/M5dm96bpd4
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab — and shallow to moderate fog in Delhi — on January 25 and 26. Northern plains are also expected to remain under the influence of cold wave conditions, making mornings noticeably colder than usual.
While the disturbance eases, dense fog remains a concern for visibility on roads and railways, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi–NCR. The IMD warns that fog could disrupt transport and travel on January 25 and early January 26, especially in the mornings.
In Delhi–NCR, minimum temperatures may stay between 6 °C and 9 °C, with daytime highs in the late teens. Although fog intensity has slightly reduced recently due to clearer skies, winter chill continues to grip the region, making mornings particularly cold.
Hilly regions continue to see cold conditions, with forecasts of more snowfall and rain from ongoing western weather activity affecting the Western Himalayan belt. Lower plains are feeling the effects of cold north-westerly winds streaming down from snow-clad mountain areas.
In the plains, the cold wave is expected to persist for a few more days, although sunshine planned for midday hours may give temporary relief before temperatures again dip at night.
Overall, while North India remains under the thumb of winter weather, the outlook for Republic Day celebrations is relatively favorable. Chilly conditions and fog may feature in the morning, but significant rain or snow is not forecast to disrupt the events. Observers and participants should prepare for cold temperatures and possible foggy spells in the early parts of the day, but can expect warmer sunshine later.
