Across northern and central India, an unprecedented wave of extreme weather has left a trail of disruption and distress. From a sudden hailstorm battering Rajasthan’s plains to dense fog choking train traffic in Madhya Pradesh, the conditions have forced authorities to scramble for emergency measures. In the far‑north, the iconic Dal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir turned into a solid sheet of ice, halting tourism and threatening local livelihoods. Meanwhile, Bihar is grappling with a health emergency as more than a thousand children have fallen ill, with three tragic deaths reported. This article unpacks each incident, examines the underlying climatic patterns, and evaluates the response of state agencies.
Rajasthan’s sudden hailstorm
On the morning of 9 January 2026, several districts of Rajasthan, including Jodhpur and Barmer, experienced a rapid hailburst that lasted less than an hour but caused significant damage. Farmers reported shattered crops, while commuters faced blocked roads and damaged vehicles. Local meteorological stations recorded hailstones up to 2 cm in diameter, a rarity for the typically arid region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an immediate advisory, urging residents to seek shelter and avoid travel on exposed highways.
Madhya Pradesh fog and railway disruption
Simultaneously, a thick, low‑lying fog settled over central Madhya Pradesh, reducing visibility to under 50 meters in cities such as Bhopal and Indore. The Indian Railways reported delays on more than 30 trains, with some services postponed for up to six hours. Officials attributed the fog to a cold wave moving southward from the Himalayas, combined with high humidity levels recorded by the IMD. Emergency crews deployed fog‑lights and increased patrols on major tracks, but the disruption underscored the vulnerability of the nation’s rail network to sudden atmospheric changes.
Jammu & Kashmir’s frozen Dal lake
In the far‑north, the famed Dal Lake in Srinagar froze overnight, forming a solid crust that stretched over the lake’s 18 km² surface. While locals expressed awe at the rare sight, authorities warned of safety hazards for tourists and residents who frequent the lake’s promenade. The freeze follows a record low temperature of –5 °C recorded at the nearby Pahalgam weather station, marking the coldest spell in the region for the past decade. The freeze has also impacted the lake’s delicate ecosystem, threatening the livelihood of fishermen who rely on its waters.
Bihar’s child health emergency
Perhaps the most alarming development emerged from Bihar, where health officials confirmed that over 1,000 children across districts such as Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur have fallen ill with severe respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Three children have succumbed to complications, prompting the state health department to declare a localized health emergency. Preliminary investigations point to a combination of poor indoor air quality due to the cold wave, contaminated water supplies, and limited access to timely medical care. The department has mobilized mobile health units and urged parents to seek immediate treatment for any child showing symptoms.
Response and outlook
State governments across the affected regions have activated emergency response teams. Rajasthan’s disaster management authority has dispatched relief kits to hail‑hit villages, while Madhya Pradesh’s railways are reviewing fog‑related safety protocols. In Jammu & Kashmir, the tourism department has issued safety advisories and is monitoring lake conditions for potential thawing. Bihar’s health ministry is coordinating with the central government for additional medical supplies and has launched a public awareness campaign on hygiene practices during cold weather.
The convergence of these events highlights a broader trend of erratic weather patterns linked to climate variability. Experts from the IMD caution that such extreme episodes may become more frequent, urging policymakers to integrate climate resilience into infrastructure planning, health preparedness, and disaster management.
Quick reference table
| State | Weather event | Primary impact | Date (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Hailstorm | Crop damage, road blockage | 9 Jan |
| Madhya Pradesh | Dense fog | Train delays, reduced visibility | 9 Jan |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Lake freeze | Tourism halt, ecological risk | 9 Jan |
| Bihar | Cold‑wave‑related illness | 1000+ children sick, 3 deaths | 9 Jan |
In conclusion, the simultaneous occurrence of hail, fog, freezing temperatures, and a health crisis across four major states underscores the urgent need for coordinated, climate‑aware governance. By strengthening early‑warning systems, enhancing emergency response capacity, and investing in resilient infrastructure, India can better safeguard its citizens against the growing volatility of weather patterns.
Image by: Diego Girón
https://www.pexels.com/@diego-giron-464799823
