The weather in North India has taken a violent turn as an active western disturbance brings heavy snowfall to the mountains and icy winds with rain to the plains. The India Meteorological Department has issued strict alerts for the next 24 to 48 hours across multiple states.

While heavy snowfall blankets the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, cold winds and rain have intensified the chill in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

Heavy snowfall is occurring in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, as well as Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand. This snowfall is causing icy winds to blow towards the plains.

Delhi-NCR has witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures due to these cold winds. People in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram have been shivering since Tuesday morning, with sunshine completely absent.

A yellow alert for rain has been issued for 24 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Meerut. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are also expected in western Uttar Pradesh.

The Meteorological Department says maximum temperatures may drop by 4 to 5 degrees due to cloud movement and rain, making days feel as cold as nights.

State-Wise Weather Alerts

• Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Heavy snowfall and rain to continue
• Himachal and Uttarakhand: Moderate to heavy snowfall warning for next 48 hours
• Punjab and Haryana: Light to moderate rain with strong winds expected
• Rajasthan: Cold wave and light drizzle in northern Bikaner and Churu
• Delhi-NCR: Icy winds and scattered rain

Dense fog, mist, and rain have severely affected transportation. Low visibility has slowed vehicles on national highways, while dozens of trains and flights are running behind schedule.