A severe cold wave, accompanied by dense fog of varying intensity, engulfed Rajasthan and several northern states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand around January 7, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued Orange and Yellow alerts for multiple states, warning of significant travel disruptions and serious health risks. Visibility in parts of Rajasthan — particularly in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar — dropped to near-zero levels in the early morning hours, disrupting train schedules and causing flight delays. Temperatures in parts of Rajasthan's northern districts plunged below 2°C, with Churu historically recording the coldest temperatures in the state due to its continental desert climate. Cold waves in Rajasthan are a recurrent winter phenomenon driven by western disturbances and cold winds from the Himalayan region. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and district collectors were directed to activate relief measures including setting up night shelters (rein baseras) for the homeless and daily wage workers, distributing blankets, and ensuring continuity of essential services. The cold wave also affected agricultural activities, with the rabi crop season — particularly mustard and wheat cultivation in Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Kota divisions — facing risk of frost damage. Veterinary departments were placed on alert to protect livestock in affected areas.
Severe Cold Wave Grips Rajasthan and Northern India; IMD Issues Orange Alert as Dense Fog Disrupts Rail and Air Traffic
A severe cold wave, accompanied by dense fog of varying intensity, engulfed Rajasthan and several northern states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand around January 7, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued Orange and Yellow alerts for multiple states, warning of significant travel disruptions and serious health risks. Visibility in parts of Rajasthan — particularly in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar — dropped to near-zero levels in the early morning hours, disrupting train schedules and causing flight delays. Temperatures in parts of Rajasthan's northern districts plunged below 2°C, with Churu historically recording the coldest temperatures in the state due to its continental desert climate. Cold waves in Rajasthan are a recurrent winter phenomenon driven by western disturbances and cold winds from the Himalayan region. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and district collectors were directed to activate relief measures including setting up night shelters (rein baseras) for the homeless and daily wage workers, distributing blankets, and ensuring continuity of essential services. The cold wave also affected agricultural activities, with the rabi crop season — particularly mustard and wheat cultivation in Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Kota divisions — facing risk of frost damage. Veterinary departments were placed on alert to protect livestock in affected areas.
Key facts
- Severe cold wave and dense fog engulfed Rajasthan and northern India around January 7, 2026.
- IMD issued Orange and Yellow alerts for multiple northern states.
- Visibility in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar dropped to near zero.
- Temperatures in northern Rajasthan districts fell below 2 degrees Celsius.
- Dense fog caused major disruptions to rail, road, and air traffic across the region.
- State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) activated cold wave relief measures for vulnerable groups.
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Which agency in India is responsible for issuing weather alerts and warnings for severe cold waves?
India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for issuing weather alerts and warnings.
Source: IMD
Frequently asked questions
What alert did IMD issue for Rajasthan during the January 2026 cold wave and what does it signify?
IMD issued an Orange Alert for Rajasthan during the severe cold wave around January 7, 2026. An Orange Alert in the context of cold wave conditions indicates a warning for severely cold temperatures and dense fog, requiring preparedness by authorities and the public.
Which districts of Rajasthan recorded near-zero visibility due to dense fog during the January 2026 cold wave?
Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar in northern Rajasthan recorded near-zero visibility during the January 7, 2026 cold wave event. The dense fog caused major disruptions to rail and air traffic across these districts.
What temperatures were recorded in northern Rajasthan during the January 2026 cold wave?
Temperatures in northern Rajasthan districts fell below 2 degrees Celsius during the severe cold wave around January 7, 2026. This placed the region in the 'severe cold wave' category as defined by IMD, which applies when temperatures are 4.5°C or more below normal.
What role did the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) play during the January 2026 cold wave in Rajasthan?
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) activated cold wave relief measures for vulnerable groups during the January 2026 cold wave. This included setting up shelters (rein baseras), distributing blankets, and coordinating health services for the homeless and elderly.
How does a cold wave affect rail and air traffic and what are the IMD criteria for declaring a cold wave?
Dense fog accompanying cold waves reduces visibility to near-zero levels, leading to flight cancellations, diversions, and train delays. IMD declares a cold wave when the minimum temperature falls to 10°C or below and is 4.5°C or more below the normal minimum temperature for that date and location.
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