Relief Incoming: Two Western Disturbances to End North India’s “Snow Drought” from Tomorrow

NEW DELHI / SRINAGAR:

After a month-long dry spell that left the Himalayas brown and the plains choking in smog, the weather gods are finally smiling.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that a fresh active Western Disturbance (WD) is approaching North India. This system will bring the season’s first significant snowfall to the mountains and much-needed winter rain to the plains.

The Timeline: When Will it Rain/Snow?

The change in weather will happen in two phases:

Phase 1: The Starter (Jan 19 – Jan 21)

• A fresh, feeble Western Disturbance will affect the Western Himalayan Region starting tomorrow night (Jan 19).
• Impact: Light rain/snow is expected in isolated higher reaches of Kashmir (Gulmarg, Sonamarg) and Himachal Pradesh.
• Plains: Punjab and Haryana might see cloudy skies, but heavy rain is unlikely.

Phase 2: The Main Event (Jan 23 – Jan 26)

• A second, stronger Western Disturbance will hit the region just before Republic Day.
• Mountains: Heavy snowfall is predicted for Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This is expected to finally cover the ski slopes of Auli and Manali in white.
• Plains: Light to moderate rain is likely across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR between Jan 23 and Jan 25.

What This Means for You

1. For Delhiites (Pollution Relief): The current AQI (Severe, 400+) will improve significantly after the rains on Jan 23 washout the pollutants.
2. For Farmers: This “Winter Rain” (Mahawat) is gold for the Wheat (Rabi) crops in Punjab and UP, which were suffering due to the dry cold.
3. For Tourists: If you are planning a trip to Manali or Gulmarg for the long Republic Day weekend, carry heavy woolens and snow chains. Roads might get blocked.

Current Status (Jan 18)

While the relief is coming, the current situation remains harsh.

• Delhi: Recorded a minimum of 5.3°C today with zero visibility fog.
• Srinagar: Night temperatures are freezing at -4.5°C.
• Warning: Dense fog will continue in the plains for the next 48 hours until the winds change direction on Jan 20.

Read Also:

• IMD Warns of Dense Fog, Cold Waves as Western Disturbance Brings Rain, Snow to North India
• Kashmir Weather: Bone-Chilling Cold Grips Valley, Dense Fog Hits Jammu Flight Operations
• Cold Wave, Dense Fog Grip North India: IMD Alert, Snowfall Window, School Holiday Updates
• Week of dense fog ahead: what IMD says for J&K, India
• Chennai Weather Alert: Rain Likely Till Jan 12; Clearer Skies Expected During Pongal

AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY

• Sign-off: Reported by Kitto Weather Desk.
• Source Transparency: Forecast based on IMD All India Weather Bulletin (Jan 18, 2026).
• Accountability: Found an error? Email kittonews@gmail.com.