How Cold Will January 2026 Be? IMD Flags Fog and Cold Wave Risk Across India

New Delhi: After the cold nights of December, by the time January arrives, the cold has started showing its true colors. The Meteorological Department says that this winter will not be limited to just jackets and sweaters, but the “cold mixed in the air” may force people to hide in their homes in many areas. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the effect of cold may last for a long time in January 2026.

Which areas in North India will suffer the most from winter?

According to IMD, many states of Northwest India may face the hardest blow of cold this time. Cold wave days are expected to increase in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In these areas, the morning mist and night cold can be such that it becomes “difficult to even get out of bed.”

If there is less rain, will it affect the fields?

The Meteorological Department estimates that winter rainfall in northwest India may be below normal. Generally, this region receives about 18 percent of the annual rainfall in winter, while in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, this share is up to 31 percent. If there is less rainfall, Rabi crops may be affected, and concerns regarding water sources may also increase.

Why will the cold of night sting more?

IMD says that in January 2026, the minimum temperature in most parts of the country may go below normal. This means the nights will be colder. Cold wave days may increase in some areas of Central India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The cold here can be such that “even bonfires and heaters fall short.” At the same time, night temperatures in some parts of Northeast and South India may remain near normal.

Will the sun deceive you even during the day?

This time cold will not be the only guest at night. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum day temperature may also remain below normal in many areas. This means that despite the sun being out, the feeling of cold will remain. However, day temperatures may remain normal or slightly above normal in some parts of northwest and northeast India.

How is La Nina prolonging the winter?

The IMD report states that a La Nina-like situation is still prevailing in the Pacific Ocean. Sea surface temperatures are below average, and strong winds are maintaining this condition. It is believed that the situation will gradually normalize between January and March 2026, but till then the effect of winter seems to be “in no mood to go away.”

Where will the rain provide relief in January and where not?

According to the Meteorological Department, the average monthly rainfall of the entire country may remain normal in January 2026. However, rainfall may be reduced over parts of northwest, eastern, and northeast India. At the same time, good rain can also be seen at some places in the plains of Central India and Uttar Pradesh.

What should common people do now?

IMD clearly says that this time taking the cold of January lightly may prove costly. Dense fog may affect road, rail, and air traffic. Elderly people, children, and farmers will have to take special precautions due to the cold wave. Overall, the winter of January 2026 may be such that there will be “no scope for carelessness.”