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NEW DELHI: Three-month (Dec 2025 to Feb, 2026) winter season is likely to be colder in most parts of central India (Madhya Pradesh, east and southeast Rajasthan, north and east Maharashtra, parts of Gujarat and south Uttar Pradesh) and adjoining northwest (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and west UP) and peninsular (Telangana) India with facing below normal day and night temperatures and 4-5 additional cold wave days, IMD said on Monday.These states normally get 4-6 days of cold wave days during Dec to Feb but this time the region may get a total of 8-11 cold wave days. Parts of northeast India may also get additional cold wave days.
Cold wave is considered when the minimum (night) temperature of a meteorological station is 10 degree Celsius or less for plains and 0 degree C or less for hilly regions. Departure from normal temperature by 4.5 degree C to 6.4 degree C is also considered a cold wave.These states may also face below normal temperatures (colder) in Dec and face 1-3 additional cold wave days – it means the cold wave days may be extended upto 3 to 6 days during the month.
Underlining the impact of such a weather, the IMD said above-normal cold wave conditions may increase health risks for vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.“Early morning fog could reduce visibility and disrupt road, rail, and air transportation, while stagnant atmospheric conditions may further deteriorate air quality in some urban areas. Weather-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and daily-wage labour may face operational challenges during extended cold spells,” it said.“During the upcoming winter season (Dec 2025 to Feb 2026) normal to below-normal minimum (night) temperatures are likely over most parts of central India and adjoining peninsular and northwest India… However, some regions, including parts of northwest India, northeast India, and areas along the foothills of the Himalayas are likely to experience above-normal maximum (day) temperatures,” said IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
He while releasing an outlook for the cold weather season said, “The occurrence of cold waves during Dec is likely to be above normal over parts of northwest, central and northeast India.”Referring to the forecast, the Met department advised authorities to maintain heightened preparedness. “Both the public and concerned agencies are encouraged to regularly monitor the Impact-Based Forecast (IBF) issued through IMD’s daily early-warning services for timely updates,” it said.The winter season’s first spell of cold to severe cold wave conditions, however, started early this year and was observed at isolated pockets over over west, central and adjoining east India mainly over northeast Rajasthan, south Haryana, north Madhya Pradesh, south UP, and north Chhattisgarh during Nov 8-18 and over north interior Maharashtra on Nov 15 and Nov 20. Go to Source