Mussoorie, Jan. 1 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast that the first week of 2026 was expected to begin with active winter weather, including light snowfall and possible rainfall in the hill districts and dense fog in the plains. According to the IMD's Dehradun centre, light snow and rain are likely at a few places in the high-altitude districts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Pithoragarh on New Year's Day. The weather system is also expected to extend to other parts of the state, with very light to light rain predicted at isolated locations in Bageshwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Almora and Champawat. Snowfall is likely in areas at altitudes of 3,000 metres and above. Residents and tourists in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh have been advised to remain alert, as a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning has also been issued for these districts on Thursday. IMD Dehradun centre said the intensity of the weather system is expected to weaken gradually. Precipitation will decrease by January 2. Very light to light rain and snowfall may continue in isolated pockets of the five upper Himalayan districts-Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh-while the rest of the state is likely to witness dry conditions. While the hill districts are likely to receive precipitation, plains are expected to grapple with poor visibility due to dense fog. The IMD has issued dense fog warning from January 1 to January 4 for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts, as well as the plain areas of Nainital, Champawat, Pauri and Dehradun. htc...