Rain in Delhi-NCR, snowfall from Shimla and Manali to Srinagar; several flights cancelled and highways blocked.

The weather took a sudden turn in most parts of the country, including Delhi-NCR, on Friday morning. While Delhi-NCR experienced heavy rainfall, Shimla and Manali witnessed the first snowfall of the year. Besides this, snowfall has also begun in several mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, and rain has started in the plains. Let's take a look at the weather across the country.

Delhi-NCR Weather

The weather in Delhi-NCR changed suddenly on Friday morning. Heavy rain lashed several areas early in the morning. According to the Meteorological Department, the sky will remain cloudy today, and light rain is possible. Another spell of light to moderate rain is expected in the afternoon or evening. The temperature in Delhi-NCR is likely to drop due to the rain and strong winds.

Jammu and Kashmir Weather

Fresh snowfall in the Kashmir Valley on Friday covered the entire region in a white blanket. The snowfall has affected air and road traffic. The major roads in the valley have also been affected due to the rain and snowfall. Currently, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed near the Navayug Tunnel as a precautionary measure. The Mughal Road and Sinthan Road are also closed at several places due to snow accumulation. Traffic police have stopped traffic at safe locations due to slippery conditions and safety concerns.

The famous ski resort of Gulmarg in the Kashmir Valley and some other areas also received fresh snowfall, while Srinagar and other plains experienced strong winds. Officials said that due to the influence of a powerful Western Disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir, fresh snowfall began late Thursday evening in Gulmarg in the Baramulla district of North Kashmir.

Snowfall in Vaishno Devi

Due to heavy rain and snowfall, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed on Friday, and traffic was also stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur. Snowfall disrupted air travel, with Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announcing the temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights. Due to snowfall in Srinagar, flight operations, including both take-offs and landings, have been temporarily halted.

The official handle of Srinagar Airport shared in a post on X, "Please note that due to NOTAM at Delhi Airport and ongoing snowfall in Srinagar, some flights to and from Srinagar Airport are cancelled today. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before planning their journey. We regret the inconvenience caused."

Officials said that due to continuous rain and snow accumulation up to Ramsu, all types of traffic on NH-44 have been stopped at safe places as a precautionary measure due to slippery roads.

After a wait of almost three months, snowfall began in both the plains and upper reaches of Bhalesa and the surrounding areas of Doda from midnight. Local residents expressed relief and joy upon witnessing the long-awaited snowfall.

Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh's Shimla and Manali received their first snowfall of the year. The snowfall is still continuing. The fresh snowfall in Shimla and Manali has brought a wave of joy across the region. Snowfall is also expected in Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, and Solang Valley besides Shimla city on January 23.  Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and rain in Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan.

Uttarakhand Weather

After a long wait, the weather in Uttarakhand also changed on Friday morning. Cold winds blew from early morning, and there was rain and snowfall in some places. Snowfall occurred on the high peaks of Badrinath and Hemkund, bringing back the cold. The Meteorological Department also issued an alert for rain and snowfall on Friday. Hailstorms are possible in higher elevations, and strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms are expected.

Punjab and Haryana Weather

Regarding the weather in Punjab, rainfall occurred in several districts of the state late Thursday evening. Jalandhar and Amritsar experienced rain accompanied by strong winds, and the rain is still continuing. The rainfall has led to a drop in temperature and an increase in cold. Haryana is also likely to experience strong winds with thunderstorms and hailstorms.

Uttar Pradesh Weather Forecast

The weather has changed in western Uttar Pradesh. On Friday morning, several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Delhi NCR, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Meerut, witnessed thunderstorms and rain. The rainfall has caused a drop in temperature. Light to moderate rain and hailstorms are expected in western Uttar Pradesh.

Rajasthan Weather

Some parts of northern Rajasthan may experience rain, hailstorms, and strong winds. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in the districts of northern Rajasthan.