The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a “normal to below-normal” temperature in the agricultural zones of Madhya Pradesh, northern Gujarat, southeastern Rajasthan, southwestern Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Maharashtra during the upcoming winter season (December-February). This temperature trend is expected to support the growth of rabi crops and contribute to a bumper harvest.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD’s Director-General, briefed the media on the winter outlook, indicating that the western Himalayan region, the foothills of the Himalayas, northeastern states, and parts of eastern and western India might experience above-normal maximum temperatures. However, he did not provide specific temperature forecasts for February, which is crucial for ensuring optimal crop yields, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
The IMD anticipates an increase in cold wave conditions, forecasting 4-5 additional days of such conditions compared to the normal 4-6 days across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Maharashtra. During this season, maximum temperatures are generally expected to be normal to below normal across much of the country.
In addition, the IMD highlighted that the first spell of cold to severe cold wave conditions began early, affecting isolated areas in west-central India and adjoining east India (including northeastern Rajasthan, southern Haryana, northern Madhya Pradesh, southern Uttar Pradesh, and northern Chhattisgarh) from November 8 to 18, along with northern interior Maharashtra from November 15 to 20. Another cold wave spell is anticipated in northwestern and central regions from December 3 to 5.
On the status of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, Mohapatra indicated that weak La Niña conditions are expected to persist through December, transitioning to a neutral phase during January-March.
Furthermore, the IMD predicts that the monthly rainfall for December in the southern peninsular region—which includes Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikkal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Kerala, Mahe, and south interior Karnataka—is likely to be normal, falling between 69-131% of its Long Period Average (LPA) of 43 mm.
Published on December 1, 2025.
