Cold New Year 2026: North India Freezes as Snow Covers Kashmir, Rain Lashes Mumbai

India rang in New Year 2026 under severe winter conditions, with large parts of north India shivering amid biting cold, fresh snowfall in the Himalayan region, and unseasonal rain soaking Mumbai.

In the north, icy winds and falling temperatures marked the first day of the year. Delhi continued to reel under intense cold a day after recording its coldest December day in six years. Weather officials warned that the chill is expected to intensify across Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Haryana, with rain and thunderstorms likely later in the day.

Strong easterly surface winds over northwest India triggered thunderstorm activity in Rajasthan, which is expected to move eastwards. The India Meteorological Department forecast a further dip in minimum temperatures from January 3 as cold northerly winds descend from the Himalayan region.

Meanwhile, the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley witnessed fresh snowfall during the ongoing Chilla-e-Kalan, the harsh 40-day winter phase. Snow covered popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Gurez, offering scenic views but intensifying the cold.

Gulmarg recorded sub-zero temperatures, while Srinagar and Pahalgam also saw sharp overnight chills. Despite the snowfall, officials noted that temperatures remained slightly higher than the long-term seasonal average, pointing to an unusually warm winter trend.

In Himachal Pradesh, light snowfall was reported in higher areas of Kullu district, including Rohtang Pass, and parts of Lahaul and Spiti. However, popular tourist towns such as Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala remained snowless, leaving many visitors disappointed. The weather department has predicted light rain and snowfall in the state over the next two days.

Eastern India also felt the cold, with Kolkata experiencing unusually low temperatures, dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. Hill station Darjeeling recorded even colder conditions, while light rain or snow is expected in the upper reaches of the region.

In contrast, Mumbai began 2026 on a wet note. Several parts of the financial capital witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall, bringing a rare New Year downpour and marking a sharp contrast to the freezing conditions gripping northern India.

Meteorologists said the contrasting weather patterns highlight the dynamic nature of the winter system currently influencing the subcontinent, with cold waves dominating the north while moisture-laden systems affect western coastal regions.