IMD predicts mild winter and fewer cold wave days

Winter is likely to be mild with fewer cold wave days following record high temperatures in the autumn months of October and November, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

- Jayashree Nandi

November 2024 was the second warmest for India since 1901 in terms of day temperatures and third warmest for mean temperatures. For northwest India, it was the warmest November since 1901 for mean temperatures and second warmest for day and night temperatures.

The country experienced its warmest October in 123 years, with unprecedented night-time and mean temperatures. October marked the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking night-time temperatures since measurements began in 1901, following similar records in July, August and September.

The weather office has forecast above-normal temperatures over most parts of the country from December to February, except south peninsular India where below-normal temperatures are likely. Below-normal cold wave days are expected over most parts of northwest, central, east and northeast India.

"During the upcoming winter season (December 2024 to February 2025), above-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country. Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except most areas over south peninsular India, where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely," IMD said.