Winters in North India delayed: IMD issues latest update about the start of chilly season this year

North India is experiencing an unusual delay in the arrival of winter this year, with warmer-than-usual temperatures persisting well into December. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a significant weather shift is expected after December 11 or 12, when a western disturbance will likely trigger heavy snowfall in the northern hills, followed by a drop in temperatures across the region.

Western Disturbance to Bring Snowfall and Cooler Winds

The IMD predicts that a western disturbance, forming around December 7-8, will lead to heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir. This weather system will subsequently influence the plains of North India as cold north-western winds sweep across states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The minimum temperature in affected areas is expected to drop gradually, stabilizing around seven degrees Celsius.

“A major weather shift is expected after the 11th or 12th of December when a western disturbance will trigger heavy snowfall in the northern hills,” the IMD stated.

Unusually Warm October and November

October and November this year recorded higher-than-normal temperatures, with October being Delhi’s hottest since 1951. The average maximum temperature in October reached 35.1°C, and the minimum was 21.2°C—both record-breaking figures. November also followed this trend, becoming the warmest in five years, with temperatures rarely dipping below 10°C.

No Immediate La Niña Impact

Despite concerns about a La Niña-induced colder winter, the IMD clarified that the phenomenon is not currently active and might only influence weather conditions later in December or January. Meteorologists believe the current patterns are unrelated to La Niña, citing factors like insufficient rainfall during October and November and high pollution levels as contributing to the delay in winter’s onset.

Pollution and Lack of Rain Contribute to Warmer Conditions
The absence of significant rainfall in October and November, which typically cools the region, has been a key factor in the delay of winter this year. Additionally, pollution levels in northern cities, particularly Delhi, remain high, further exacerbating the warm conditions.

Cold Weather Ahead

As the western disturbance takes effect, residents of North India can expect colder temperatures starting mid-December. Regions such as Ranchi and Raipur are also likely to see a gradual dip as the cold winds move southward.