IMD predicts above-normal cold wave days in December

The occurrence of cold waves in December is likely to be above normal over parts of northwest, central and northeast India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

The Met department expects four to five additional cold wave days in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra. These states typically record four to six cold wave days during the winter season from December to February.

A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls to 10°C or below in the plains, and 0°C or lower in hilly regions. A departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal is also considered a cold wave.

During the winter season (December 2025 to February 2026), normal to below-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most of central India and adjoining peninsular and northwest regions. Above-normal minimum temperatures are expected in the remaining parts of the country.

This winter, maximum temperatures are projected to be normal to below normal across much of India. However, parts of northwest and northeast India and areas along the Himalayan foothills may experience above-normal maximum temperatures, the IMD said.

The first spell of cold to severe cold wave conditions this season arrived early, occurring in isolated pockets of west, central and adjoining east India — mainly northeast Rajasthan, south Haryana, north Madhya Pradesh, south Uttar Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh between November 8 and 18, and in north interior Maharashtra from November 15 to 20.

Another cold wave spell is expected in parts of northwest and central India from December 3 to 5, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.

He added that weak La Niña conditions were likely to persist through December to February. La Niña typically brings colder winters, especially across northern hemisphere regions including India, the US and parts of Central Asia.