New Delhi, September 25, 2024 – India is set to experience significant changes in its weather patterns over the upcoming October to February period, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other leading weather agencies predicting notable shifts in temperatures, precipitation, and climatic conditions across the country. Expected variations will have far-reaching effects on daily life, agriculture, and travel plans, urging citizens to be prepared for an unpredictable winter season.
North India: Brace for a Colder Winter
October: Winter Arrives Early
Northern regions of India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, will see an earlier onset of cooler temperatures this October, according to the IMD. With the monsoon expected to retreat sooner than usual, northern plains could experience colder nights by mid-October. Early winter chills are forecasted, which could bring an unseasonable drop in temperatures, signaling an early winter onset for cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
According to The Weather Bureau, a leading weather analysis agency, the La Niña effect is likely to enhance this cooling trend across northern India, making the upcoming winter season harsher than usual.
November: Colder November Ahead
In November, as winter tightens its grip, cities like Jammu, Srinagar, and Shimla will begin experiencing early snow, while the plains continue to cool down significantly. The IMD has warned that northern India could witness a drop in night temperatures earlier than expected, with foggy mornings becoming a regular feature by mid-November.
Plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh may experience more frequent cold waves this November, potentially impacting agriculture and transportation.
December and January: Peak Winter Conditions
December and January are traditionally the coldest months in northern India, and this year is expected to be no exception. IMD reports indicate that severe cold waves could grip the northern plains, with temperatures dipping as low as 2°C in cities like Amritsar, Lucknow, and Jaipur during the night.
Tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir will likely see heavy snowfall beginning in mid-December, creating ideal conditions for winter sports and adventure tourism. These areas may also face transportation challenges due to heavy snow accumulation.
In the plains, fog is expected to be dense and persistent throughout December and January, potentially disrupting air and rail travel across the region.
February: Gradual Transition to Spring
February will likely bring some relief from the intense cold, but temperatures will remain lower than average, according to the latest forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department. The winter is expected to linger longer this year, extending the season’s chill in northern states well into February.
South India: Intense Northeast Monsoon and Mild Winters
October: Northeast Monsoon Set to Bring Heavy Rain
While northern India prepares for an early winter, southern India is bracing for the arrival of the northeast monsoon. States such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh will be affected by heavy rainfall starting in October, with the IMD predicting above-average rainfall due to oceanic disturbances and La Niña conditions.
The Weather Bureau has advised residents in Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh to prepare for increased rainfall this season, with localized flooding and waterlogging expected in low-lying areas.
November: Continued Rainfall
Northeast monsoon will remain active throughout November, impacting agriculture and daily life in southern India. Heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai, Puducherry, and southern Kerala, with cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal posing a risk to coastal areas.
Agriculture experts warn that while the rains are beneficial for crops, excessive rainfall could lead to waterlogging and delays in crop harvesting, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
December and January: Pleasant Winter Conditions
By December, the monsoon will begin to retreat, leaving behind cooler and drier conditions across southern India. Cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi will experience mild winter temperatures, making it an ideal time for travel and tourism. Coastal and hill stations in Kerala and Karnataka are expected to see pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C.
January will continue the trend of comfortable weather, with little to no rainfall expected. Hilly regions of Ooty and Munnar, which attract many tourists during the winter months, will see cooler nights but remain accessible.
February: Spring-Like Conditions
By February, southern India will experience an early transition to spring-like conditions. With temperatures warming slightly, this period is considered perfect for travelers exploring backwaters, beaches, and hill stations.
Eastern India: Possible Cyclones and Cool Winters
October: Post-Monsoon Transition and Cyclone Risk
Eastern India, including West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar, will see the retreat of the southwest monsoon in early October. Weather models predict the possibility of late-season cyclones developing in the Bay of Bengal, which could affect coastal areas like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.
Weather agencies are monitoring the situation closely, as cyclones during this time could disrupt travel, agricultural activities, and infrastructure in the coastal regions.
November-February: Gradual Cooling
Eastern India will begin cooling down in November, with cities like Kolkata and Patna experiencing a gradual drop in temperature. The IMD forecasts indicate that eastern states may see an extended winter season, with cooler conditions persisting through December and January.
In the hilly regions of West Bengal, such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, light snowfall may occur in late December, while Kolkata will experience cold mornings and mild afternoons.
Western India: Cooler Days and Unpredictable Showers
October: End of the Monsoon and Unseasonal Rains
Western India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, will see the end of the monsoon in October. However, the IMD has cautioned that some regions may experience unseasonal rainfall due to lingering moisture from the retreating monsoon.
Cities like Mumbai and Pune could face unexpected showers, while Gujarat may experience a brief spell of post-monsoon rains that could affect agriculture in the state.
November-February: Mild Winter with Occasional Cold Spells
November brings cooler and drier conditions to western India, with cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Udaipur experiencing milder temperatures. Rajasthan will witness a significant drop in night temperatures, especially in the desert areas, where winter nights could be particularly cold this year.
According to The Weather Bureau, western India will experience a mild but extended winter, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C in most cities. Coastal regions like Mumbai and Goa will remain pleasant, making them prime locations for winter tourism.
Agricultural Impact and Travel Advisory
The upcoming October to February weather changes are expected to have far-reaching effects on agriculture across India. While farmers in southern states are hopeful for good harvests thanks to the northeast monsoon, excessive rains could lead to delays in harvesting. In northern India, extended cold waves may affect the sowing of Rabi crops like wheat and mustard.
Travelers planning trips during this period are advised to stay updated with weather reports from reliable sources like the Indian Meteorological Department and The Weather Bureau. Tourism destinations in northern hill stations may face snowfall-related disruptions, while coastal regions in the south and east should prepare for possible cyclonic activity.
Conclusion: Big Changes Expected This Winter
The October-February period in India will bring significant weather changes across various regions, with colder-than-usual winters in the north, heavy rainfall in the south, and unpredictable conditions in the east and west. As the IMD and other trusted weather agencies monitor these developments, citizens and travelers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
For the latest weather updates, the IMD and The Weather Bureau are trusted and authorized sources providing reliable forecasts. Stay prepared and plan your activities accordingly as India gears up for an eventful winter season.
