The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning for residents of Vidarbha and surrounding regions in Central India: prepare for a winter that will be significantly harsher and longer than usual. The seasonal outlook forecasts an extended period of biting cold conditions, set to last from December 2025 through February 2026.
Below-Normal Temperatures and Increased Cold Wave Days
According to the IMD's detailed analysis, minimum temperatures across most of Central India, including the Vidarbha region, are expected to remain normal to below normal. This pattern is a clear indicator of a severe winter season ahead. The forecast carries an additional, more concerning prediction: a higher-than-normal number of cold wave days is anticipated over central India.
The chill has already begun to set in, offering a preview of what's to come. Districts like Gondia and Bhandara have recently recorded minimum temperatures plunging to around 10°C, prompting the weather department to issue a yellow alert. The IMD's broader seasonal analysis indicates that central India, along with parts of northwest and northeast India, will experience above-normal occurrences of cold waves.
Impacts on Health, Transport, and Pollution
This prolonged and intense cold spell raises serious concerns for public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. The IMD has urged local authorities and health agencies to maintain a state of heightened preparedness and for residents to follow daily, impact-based forecasts.
Beyond health, the winter conditions are expected to disrupt daily life. The forecast warns of fog formation and reduced visibility during early mornings, which could lead to significant disruptions in road, rail, and air transport. Furthermore, the characteristic stagnant winter air is likely to worsen pollution levels in urban areas, compounding public health risks. Maximum temperatures across the country are also projected to be normal to below normal, reinforcing the expectation of a sustained chill.
December 2025: A Particularly Chilly Month
Zooming in on the immediate start of the severe season, December 2025 is projected to see below-normal to normal minimum temperatures over central and northwest India, encompassing Vidarbha. This month is also likely to witness above-normal cold wave days. Typically, cold waves in Vidarbha persist for one or two days, but this season may challenge that pattern.
The signs of an early and intense winter were already evident in November, which recorded the season's coldest temperatures on three separate occasions. The IMD's advisory is clear: residents must adopt necessary protective measures as the region potentially heads into one of its coldest seasons in recent years.
