Weather Update: Drizzles in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Punjab on New Year’s Day

Weather Update: Drizzles inx Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Punjab on New Year’s Day

Drizzles Greet Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali on the First Day of 2026

Weather Update: Drizzles in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Punjab on New Year’s Day

Chandigarh : The New Year began on a cool and cloudy note across the Tricity region as light drizzles were reported in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali on the first day of 2026. The brief spell of rain, which started in the early morning hours and continued intermittently through the day in some areas, brought a noticeable dip in temperatures and added to the winter chill already gripping north India.

Residents woke up to overcast skies and a pleasant yet cold breeze, with light rain recorded at several locations across the region. While the drizzle was not intense enough to disrupt daily life significantly, it did slow down traffic at a few key intersections during the morning hours, as commuters adjusted to wet roads and reduced visibility.

According to local weather officials, the drizzles were the result of a western disturbance affecting parts of northwest India. Such systems are common during the winter months and often bring light to moderate rainfall to Punjab, Haryana and adjoining areas, along with a drop in both day and night temperatures.

Meteorological data indicated that the maximum temperatures across Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali remained below normal for this time of the year, while minimum temperatures hovered in the low single digits. The combination of cloud cover, light rain and cold winds made the weather feel colder than usual, prompting many residents to step out in heavy woollens.

Despite the damp conditions, New Year celebrations across the Tricity largely went ahead as planned. Parks, popular markets and religious places witnessed a steady flow of visitors, though footfall at some open-air venues was slightly lower than expected due to the chilly weather. Several people described the drizzle as a “refreshing” start to the year, saying it added to the winter atmosphere.

For farmers in the surrounding areas of Punjab and Haryana, the light rain was largely welcomed. Agricultural experts noted that mild winter rainfall can be beneficial for rabi crops such as wheat and mustard, provided it is not accompanied by hail or prolonged waterlogging. “Light showers at this stage can help improve soil moisture and support crop growth,” an agriculture officer said.

However, health experts advised caution, particularly for children and the elderly, as fluctuating temperatures and damp weather can increase the risk of seasonal illnesses. Residents were urged to stay warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions.

Weather officials said that cloudy conditions may persist over the next 24 to 48 hours, with the possibility of isolated light showers in parts of the region. A further drop in night temperatures is also expected, which could intensify cold conditions, especially during early morning and late evening hours.