India Weather Warning 2026: 4 Cyclonic Systems Trigger Rain, Fog & Cold Wave — Which States Are at Risk?

Rapid weather shifts across India have triggered fresh alerts. With four cyclonic systems active, several states now face heavy rain, fog, hailstorms, and snowfall risks.

India Weather Warning 2026: What’s Driving the Sudden Change?

Weather conditions across India are changing fast. Although the monsoon season has officially ended, rainfall continues in many regions. Meanwhile, cold conditions are intensifying in northern states. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), multiple atmospheric systems are working together, leading to widespread instability.

Notably, an upper-air cyclonic circulation remains active over eastern Bangladesh and nearby areas at lower tropospheric levels. As a result, moisture continues to flow into eastern and northeastern India. Moreover, similar weather patterns caused heavy rainfall across the country in 2025, and experts now expect comparable conditions in early 2026.

Active Cyclonic Systems Impacting India Right Now

The IMD has identified four major systems influencing current weather patterns. Together, they are driving rain, snowfall, fog, and hailstorms across multiple states.

A strong subtropical westerly jet stream is flowing over northwest India at an altitude of about 12.6 kilometres, with wind speeds close to 150 knots. This system supports western disturbances, which often bring winter rain and snowfall.

Additionally, an upper-air cyclonic circulation is active over the southeastern Arabian Sea and the south Kerala coast. At the same time, another circulation is influencing the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal. Therefore, southern and coastal regions remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

Hailstorm Warning: States on Alert

Due to the combined effect of these systems, the IMD has issued a hailstorm warning for isolated areas of Meghalaya on January 3, 2026. Farmers and local administrations have been advised to remain cautious, as hail can damage crops and disrupt transport.

Snowfall and Rain Forecast in Northern India

Meanwhile, western disturbances are expected to affect the Himalayan region. The IMD predicts rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad on January 5 and 6.

Similarly, Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience rain and snowfall on January 6. As a result, travel disruptions and cold-wave conditions may intensify in these regions.

Dense Fog Alert: Visibility Concerns Rise

On the other hand, dense fog continues to affect northern and eastern plains. The IMD has issued a fog alert for Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 7.

In addition, thick fog is expected in western Uttar Pradesh until January 5, eastern Uttar Pradesh until January 8, eastern Rajasthan until January 4, and Odisha until January 6. Consequently, road, rail, and flight operations may face delays.

Heavy Rain Warning Issued for These States

Rainfall continues intermittently in Karnataka, and weather conditions there are likely to shift further. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in many parts of the state over the next two days.

Moreover, heavy rain is expected in Kerala, Puducherry, Karaikal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In the northeast, Meghalaya may see both rain and hail during the same period.

Meanwhile, northern and northeastern states such as Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are also likely to receive heavy precipitation. Therefore, authorities have urged residents to stay updated with local advisories.

Why This Weather Pattern Matters for India

Frequent off-season rainfall and intense winter systems increasingly affect agriculture, logistics, tourism, and daily business operations. As climate variability grows, such weather events are becoming less predictable. Consequently, timely alerts and preparedness now play a critical role in minimizing economic and human impact.

IMD Weather Alert Summary Table

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