NEW DELHI: The upcoming winter (Dec-Feb) is likely to be colder in most parts of central India (Madhya Pradesh, north and east Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat) and parts of adjoining northwest (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, east and southeast Rajasthan, and west and south UP) and peninsular India (Telangana), with 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-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.Most of these states are also likely to experience below normal temperatures in Dec, with one to three additional cold wave days. This means there could be 3-6 days cold wave days during the month.The season’s first spell of cold-to-severe-cold wave conditions started early this year and were observed at isolated pockets over west, central and adjoining east India.Parts of NW, NE & Himalayan foothills may see hotter daysCold-to-severe-cold wave days were recorded in 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. A cold wave is declared when the minimum (night) temperature of a station is 10 degrees Celsius or less for plains and 0 degree Celsius or less for hilly regions, and it is below normal by 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius.Underlining the impact of such weather, 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.While releasing the outlook for the cold weather season, he 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 agencies concerned are encouraged to regularly monitor the impact-based forecast (IBF) issued through IMD’s daily early-warning services for timely updates,” it said.