Cold weather forecast to increase in the plains

02-Dec-2025 08:28 PM

New Delhi. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted that the plains of the country may experience severe cold from December 2025 to February 2026, while the mountainous regions may experience relatively milder winters and higher temperatures. It is believed that the activation of the La Niña weather cycle may cause such changes in climate and temperature.

According to the Meteorological Department (IMD), the central and northwestern parts of the country and the plains of the southern peninsula are likely to experience colder winters than normal this winter.

On the other hand, the hills of the western Himalayan region, the foothills of the Himalayas, and the northeastern states of the country will experience relatively milder winters from December to February, with temperatures expected to remain slightly higher than normal.

Extreme cold, dense fog, and hailstorms in the plains could cause significant damage to Rabi crops. Heavy snowfall has already begun in Jammu and Kashmir, and snowfall is also expected in Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.

According to the Meteorological Department, although the El Niño weather cycle has no direct connection with cold weather, it can have some indirect impact. Furthermore, the influence of the solar (polar) vortex can make the weather colder in the plains of India.

Cold air coming from the North Pole can show its effect in India. The polar vortex is a long-term low-pressure system located near the North or South Pole, and its density, intensity, and mobility increase during the winter season.

The IMD says that during the current month (December 2025), monthly minimum temperatures may remain normal or below normal in most parts of central and northwestern India and northern regions of southern peninsular India, while minimum temperatures in other parts of the country are expected to remain normal or slightly above normal.