Chandigarh: Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali welcomed 2026 under overcast skies as light rain was recorded across the Tricity region on Wednesday. The drizzle, which had been forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), brought a noticeable dip in temperatures, adding to the winter chill.
Similar weather conditions are being reported from several parts of Punjab, Haryana and other northern states, where cloud cover and intermittent rainfall have prevailed since the beginning of the year. Meteorologists say the change in weather has intensified cold conditions, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
The IMD had earlier indicated that the Western Himalayan region would experience scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall between December 30 and January 2. Alongside precipitation, dense to very dense fog was also predicted for January 1 in many areas, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking to news agency PTI, IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar explained that an active western disturbance is currently positioned over North Pakistan. Its influence, he said, is likely to trigger light to moderate rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayan belt over the next couple of days.
Dr Kumar further noted that isolated spells of light rain could occur in parts of Punjab, Haryana and north Rajasthan, while the Delhi-NCR region may witness very light to light rainfall activity on the first day of the new year.
Weather officials have advised residents to remain cautious during foggy conditions, especially while commuting, as reduced visibility is expected to persist in several northern states.
