India began the New Year 2026 under strong winter conditions, with many parts of the country facing cold waves, dense fog, and falling temperatures. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this winter spell is one of the most intense seen in recent years. Cities in the north, east, west, and northeast all reported unusual weather patterns, making this a major Breaking News story in today’s Latest News and Daily news highlights.
While Mumbai received unexpected rain early on New Year’s Day, Delhi experienced its coldest December day in six years. Other states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Jharkhand, Assam, and West Bengal also saw sharp drops in temperature, affecting daily life, travel, and schools.
Delhi Records Coldest December Day in Six Years
Delhi ended 2025 with extremely cold conditions, recording its coldest December day in six years on December 31. Daytime temperatures stayed well below normal levels, making the entire day feel unusually cold. Weather officials explained that a “cold day” happens when both daytime and nighttime temperatures remain much lower than average.
Shallow fog spread across many parts of the national capital during evening and night hours, reducing visibility and slowing traffic. Flights and trains also faced minor delays. The IMD has warned that these cold conditions are likely to continue into early January due to cold northerly winds. This IMD weather update suggests residents should stay cautious, especially during early morning and late-night travel.
Mumbai Sees Light Rain on New Year Morning
Unlike the freezing north, Mumbai welcomed the New Year with light rain. Areas such as Walkeshwar and Lower Parel experienced early morning showers on January 1. According to reports, the rain helped reduce pollution levels and slightly improved air quality.
Though the showers were not heavy, they surprised many residents, as Mumbai usually enjoys mild winters. Weather experts believe this rainfall was caused by changing wind patterns over the Arabian Sea. The rain brought temporary relief from dry weather but also caused slow traffic in some areas.
Jharkhand Faces Dense Fog and Very Low Temperatures
Eastern India also struggled with harsh winter conditions. Jharkhand experienced dense fog warnings, with visibility dropping sharply in several districts. In some areas, temperatures fell close to 4 degrees Celsius, which is very low for the region.
The IMD stated that strong north-westerly winds in the lower atmosphere were responsible for this sudden temperature drop. Due to poor visibility, road travel became risky during early morning hours. Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel until fog conditions improve.
Rajasthan Shivers as Temperatures Fall to Single Digits
Rajasthan continued to experience extreme winter nights. Karauli emerged as the coldest place in the state, with temperatures dropping close to seasonal lows. Many towns across eastern and northern Rajasthan reported single-digit minimum temperatures.
Cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur also recorded colder-than-usual nights. The IMD warned that dense to very dense fog is expected across Rajasthan between January 1 and 3, which could disrupt road and rail transport. This ongoing cold wave in India has increased challenges for daily commuters.
IMD Issues Nationwide Warning
On a national level, the IMD warned that cold wave conditions, cold days, and dense fog will continue to affect many states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and parts of central and eastern India.
Although minimum temperatures may rise briefly, another drop is expected as cold winds strengthen across northern plains. Authorities are urging people to take precautions, especially while traveling during foggy hours.
This ongoing weather situation remains a major Breaking News development and will continue to feature prominently in Latest News and Daily news highlights across the country.
