The mountains turned white before autumn could end. In Kashmir, snow piled on rooftops overnight. Shimla’s roads froze under the first flakes of the season. In Delhi, grey skies and steady rain pushed temperatures down, forcing people to pull out woollens weeks earlier than usual. Across much of northern India, October feels like December.
Meteorologists say this early chill is more than a passing spell. The return of La Niña—a climate pattern that cools the Pacific Ocean and shifts global weather, could make this winter colder and longer across northern and central India. Both Indian and U.S. weather agencies are warning that the season ahead may test the country’s endurance against the cold.
NOAA and IMD Signal Colder Winter Ahead
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that India could experience a “colder winter” this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) agrees, saying northern and central states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, are likely to see lower-than-normal temperatures.
“There is a 71% chance of a colder-than-average winter due to developing La Niña conditions,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD. “We expect the season to start early in the north, with more cold-wave days through December and January.”
La Niña, which means “Little Girl” in Spanish, cools the surface of the Pacific Ocean and alters global weather patterns. It typically leads to cooler, wetter winters in Asia, including northern India.
According to NOAA’s latest report, La Niña conditions have already appeared in the central Pacific. “These are likely to persist through December 2025 to February 2026,” the agency said.
Early Snow and Rain Disrupt Normal Life
The signs are visible already. Heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has cut off mountain roads and damaged orchards. Temperatures in several high-altitude towns have dropped below freezing.
IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said the current spell is part of a temporary phase triggered by a western disturbance, a moisture system moving in from the Mediterranean. “Once the system passes, skies will clear for a while,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. “But this does suggest an early shift toward colder weather.”
What Cold Means for Western and Central India
In the country’s western and central belt, residents are already preparing. Ahmedabad, which usually sees mild winters, could experience one of its coldest seasons in years.
According to IMD’s data, Ahmedabad’s average winter minimum has fallen from around 15°C to 13°C over the past decade. This year, temperatures could drop below 10°C in December.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Weather, said the same pattern could extend across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. “In the desert areas, nights may approach freezing,” he said. “In Madhya Pradesh, the cold may last longer, with frost risk for wheat and mustard crops.”
The Health Department has also issued an advisory urging citizens to take precautions against seasonal illnesses. “Sudden temperature drops increase the risk of respiratory infections,” said Dr. Swaranjit Dhawan, Civil Surgeon. “Elderly people and those with asthma or heart conditions should avoid exposure to cold winds.”
The advisory recommends warm clothing, flu vaccinations, and maintaining indoor ventilation to prevent infections in crowded spaces.
La Niña’s Broader Influence
Experts say this year’s La Niña may not be particularly strong, but its timing could amplify the winter chill.
This shift often triggers dense fog, longer cold waves, and frost in the northern plains, while increasing snowfall in the Himalayas. During previous La Niña years, like 2011 and 2013, India saw extended winter spells and record-low temperatures.
India’s coldest recent winter came in January 2013, when Delhi dropped to 1.9°C, its lowest in over four decades. Trains were cancelled, and night shelters overflowed with people seeking warmth.
This year, conditions may not reach that extreme, but meteorologists agree that the trend points toward a longer and colder season.
“Winter could set in earlier than usual,” said Palawat. “It might not be harsh, but it will be persistent.”
From the high passes of Himachal to the crowded lanes of Ahmedabad, India seems to be stepping into a winter that will test its resilience once again.
Whether this La Niña brings only a mild chill or a deep freeze, one thing is clear: the season has arrived early, and the country is already feeling its first cold breath.
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