India Braces for Unusual Winter Patterns Amid La Niña

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a winter season of normal to below-normal temperatures in central, northwest, and peninsular India, while the Himalayas, northeastern states, and parts of eastern and western India may see above-normal temperatures. A few extra cold wave days are anticipated in key regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that central India, along with its adjacent northwest and peninsular regions, can expect normal to below-normal temperatures this winter. The forecast was revealed during an online press conference held on Monday.

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the western Himalayan region and its foothills, together with the northeastern states and parts of eastern and western India, might experience above-normal maximum temperatures. These predictions include an extra four to five days of cold wave conditions in select regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Weak La Niña conditions, marked by cooler ocean surface temperatures and atmospheric changes in the Pacific, are expected to persist through February. Historically, La Niña is linked with colder winters in northern India. The IMD also noted that November saw normal to below-normal temperatures across most parts of India, with four western disturbances influencing temperatures up north.

(With inputs from agencies.)