The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning for the upcoming winter season, predicting a harsher and longer cold spell for large parts of the country. According to their latest seasonal forecast, North and Central India are likely to experience frequent cold wave conditions from December 2025 through February 2026. This prolonged period of intense cold is attributed to the prevailing influence of the La Niña phenomenon over the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
La Niña's Chilling Grip on India's Winter
The primary driver behind this forecasted severe winter is the La Niña conditions. La Niña refers to the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. This global climate phenomenon has a well-documented impact on weather patterns across the Indian subcontinent. Typically, La Niña winters in India are associated with below-normal temperatures and an increased frequency of cold wave events. The IMD has indicated that these conditions are already established and are expected to persist throughout the winter months, amplifying the chill.
The forecast specifically highlights that the core cold wave zone will encompass the northern plains, including states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, as well as central Indian regions such as Madhya Pradesh. The IMD's warning suggests that the intensity and duration of cold spells could be more pronounced than in recent years, leading to a significant drop in minimum temperatures.
Regional Impact and Timeline of the Cold Spell
The IMD has provided a detailed month-by-month outlook for the winter season. The agency forecasts that December 2025 will see the onset of the cold conditions, setting the stage for the peak winter months. January and February 2026 are expected to be the most severe, with the highest probability of intense and widespread cold waves.
Residents in the affected regions should prepare for:
- Dense fog and cold day conditions, severely impacting road, rail, and air travel.
- Frost in some northern areas, potentially affecting early winter crops.
- Increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, due to prolonged exposure to the cold.
The meteorological department has urged state governments and disaster management authorities to take proactive measures. These include preparing shelter homes for the homeless, issuing regular advisories to farmers, and ensuring public awareness about health precautions during extreme cold.
Preparedness and Advisory for the Public
In light of this forecast, the IMD and health officials are emphasizing the need for public preparedness. The extended forecast provides a crucial window for citizens and authorities to gear up for the challenging winter ahead. This is the first time the IMD has issued such a long-range seasonal forecast specifically for the winter season, marking a significant step in advanced weather warning systems.
Experts advise people to take necessary precautions such as wearing adequate warm clothing, protecting pets and livestock from the cold, and being cautious while using heating appliances to prevent fires. The agriculture sector is also advised to monitor forecasts closely to protect crops from potential frost damage.
While North and Central India brace for a biting cold, the IMD's forecast indicates that peninsular India, including South India, may experience near-normal winter temperatures, showing the diverse climatic impact of the La Niña event across the country. As the December-February period approaches, all eyes will be on the thermometer, confirming the met department's prediction of a season defined by its intense chill.
