New Year celebrations across Delhi-NCR and several other parts of India may see a wet start, as the weather department has issued a rain alert for January 1.
The forecast suggests rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms in multiple regions, which could impact travel and outdoor plans.
Rain Alert Across North India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that six North Indian states may receive heavy rainfall during an ongoing cold wave.
This combination of rain and low temperatures is expected to make weather conditions harsher, especially in the plains.
Cities and regions including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and West Rajasthan are likely to see scattered rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.
Snowfall in Hills, Colder Plains Ahead
Snowfall is expected in higher altitude areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad.
Fresh snowfall in these regions could cause temperatures to drop further in nearby plains, increasing the winter chill as the new year begins.
Thunderstorms and Strong Winds in Other Regions
The IMD has also issued a warning for thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds ranging between 30 to 40 km per hour in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Southern regions including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may also experience scattered rain and thunderstorms.
What This Means for New Year Plans
With rain and cold weather likely in many parts of the country, people planning outdoor New Year celebrations are advised to stay updated with local forecasts and take necessary precautions.
Travel disruptions and colder-than-usual conditions are possible as 2026 begins.
