With the onset of the new year, winter has tightened its hold across states, with snowfall reported in hilly areas and lowering temperatures recorded across the northern part of the country.
The cold wave has intensified in the national capital as well, with many areas engulfed in dense fog on Wednesday morning. Delhi recorded its first cold day of the year yesterday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold-day warning for some states, as afternoons are expected to be colder than normal, with daytime temperatures likely to drop substantially. States, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and even Bihar, are expected to witness cold-day conditions for the next two to three days.
Dense to very dense fog conditions are very likely to prevail in the morning hours in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh from 08 to 10 January, according to IMD. Also, a thick layer of fog is predicted in isolated pockets from 11 to 14 January 2026.
On the weather forecast, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar says, “There is a complete layer, which we can call a clear clouds dense fog layer, due to which the sunlight is not reaching the Earth directly. Specifically, if we talk about Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and even Bihar, we have issued cold-day warning for the next two to three days. In addition, the morning temperatures in some places are also around 4 degrees Celsius or lower, such as in Punjab and Haryana, for which we have also issued a cold wave warning…”
#WATCH | Delhi: On weather updates, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar says, “… A cold wave warning has been issued for Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan… Cold day conditions will prevail in these states, with afternoons being colder than normal and daytime… pic.twitter.com/KUCx4SwWeG
— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026
As per IMD, a day is called a ‘cold day’ if the maximum temperature ranges from 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below the seasonal norm. In case the maximum temperatures drop 6.5 degrees below the normal range for the season, it is termed a ‘severe cold day’.
Cold wave intensifies in Delhi
The national capital is currently experiencing cold weather conditions and registered its first ‘cold day’ of the season on 06 January. Maximum temperatures were recorded in the range of 13°C to 16°C, in different areas of Delhi NCR.
According to the India Meteorological Department, these cold-day conditions are expected to prevail for a few days.
In terms of air pollution, the national capital saw a slight deterioration in air quality today, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 300, remaining in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Consequently, there has been a significant drop in visibility as well. Due to lower visibility, travellers were seen driving with their headlights on along highways to minimise the risk of accidents.
Heavy snowfall continues in Kashmir
Most of the areas in Kashmir have received fresh snowfall this week, with many parts recording freezing temperatures.
Despite harsh weather conditions and disrupted normal movement in several areas, tourism has not been affected, with many visitors drawn to the region’s winter scenery. The snow-covered landscape continues to attract high volume of tourists from across the country.
Amid the cold wave and snowfall, authorities have ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place for the safety and comfort of tourists.
Dense fog engulfs Uttar Pradesh
In UP, several cities continue to experience cold wave conditions with overcast skies and chilly winds. The Meteorological Department has predicted denser fog for some areas in the state in the coming days.
Even the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was covered by a thick layer of fog today morning. Agra recorded a maximum temperature of 12 °C this week, according to the IMD. However, the city’s air quality remained ‘moderate,’ falling within the 101-200 range, as per CPCB data.
Other cities of the state, including Moradabad, were also enveloped with dense fog due to the cold wave, though their overall air quality stayed ‘moderate.’
According to IMD, dense to very dense fog conditions are very likely to prevail in the morning hours in some parts of the state from 08 January.
Meanwhile, residents enjoy bonfires across north India to cope with the biting cold, as there seems to be no immediate relief from the cold.