IMD Forecasts 5 Extra Days of Cold Wave Conditions Across Northern and Central India

Throughout November, most regions of India experienced normal to below-normal temperature readings.

New Delhi:

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), central India and neighboring northwest and peninsular regions are expected to experience normal to below-normal temperatures during the three-month winter season.

During an online press conference, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that above-normal maximum temperatures may occur in the western Himalayan region, Himalayan foothills, northeastern states, and sections of eastern and western India.

The IMD forecasts four to five "extra" days of cold wave conditions for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and certain parts of Maharashtra.

Mohapatra noted that these areas typically experience four to six days of cold wave conditions during the December to February period.

"For the upcoming winter season (December 2025 to February 2026), normal to below-normal minimum temperatures are anticipated across most of central India and adjacent peninsular and northwest regions. The remaining parts of the country are likely to see above-normal minimum temperatures," he explained.

He added that maximum temperatures during this season are expected to be normal to below normal across most of India.

The season's first spell of cold to severe cold wave conditions began earlier than usual and was observed in isolated areas of west, central, and adjoining east India—primarily northeast Rajasthan, south Haryana, north Madhya Pradesh, south Uttar Pradesh, and north Chhattisgarh—between November 8 and 18, and in north interior Maharashtra on November 15 and 20.

The IMD chief indicated that another cold wave spell is expected in parts of northwest and central India from December 3 to 5.

"We anticipate weak La Niña conditions to persist during the December to February period," he added.

La Niña refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, accompanied by changes in tropical atmospheric circulation including winds, pressure, and rainfall patterns.

This phenomenon is generally associated with intense and prolonged monsoon rains in India and colder-than-usual winters, particularly in northern regions.

In November, most parts of the country recorded normal to below-normal temperatures, except for areas in southeast peninsular India, the northeastern states, and regions in the extreme northwest.

A total of four western disturbances, which are rain-bearing weather systems originating from the Mediterranean region, influenced temperatures across north India, though almost all produced minimal precipitation.