India Braces for Colder Winter with Increased Cold Wave Days

Forecast for a Colder Winter

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that India is set to experience a winter that is colder than usual, with an increase in the number of cold wave days across central, northwest, and northeast regions of the country.

According to the weather agency, the anticipated drop in temperatures is expected to be driven by a polar vortex and ongoing weak La Niña conditions from December through February.

IMD scientist OP Sreejith mentioned that the cold wave conditions and below-normal temperatures in Madhya Pradesh are linked to the polar vortex and La Niña phenomena. He noted, “The polar vortex is once again having an impact.”

La Niña is characterized by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific, which can result in increased rainfall and colder winters. Meanwhile, a polar vortex refers to a low-pressure area filled with frigid air that can push colder weather southward.

Spatial forecasts suggest that states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Gujarat will likely see below-normal temperatures, while much of central India and adjacent peninsular and northwest regions are expected to have normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.

In contrast, the remaining areas of the country are predicted to experience above-normal minimum temperatures, according to the IMD.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted that cold wave conditions could last for as long as 11 days, which is significantly longer than the typical four to six days. He stated, “Above normal cold wave spells will impact Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra this winter.”

The IMD defines a cold wave as occurring when the minimum temperature at a station falls to 10 degrees Celsius or lower for plains and 0 degrees Celsius or lower for hilly areas.