Get Ready with Your Sweater and Shawls Early; Bone-Chilling Winter Ahead: Experts Warn of Harsh Cold Due to La Niña Effect

Climate change may intensify the season; IMD signals colder-than-average winter for India

The mood of the weather continues to swing dramatically, with heavier rains, hotter summers, and now, a warning of a severe winter. Meteorologists caution that this year’s cold season may be bone-chilling, making it difficult for many to cope. The primary reason: the return of the La Niña effect.

According to the US National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), there is a 71% probability of La Niña developing between October and December 2025. Although this probability may reduce to 54% between December 2025 and February 2026, the La Niña watch will remain in place.

What is La Niña and why does it matter?

La Niña is the cold phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), marked by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Its effects ripple across the globe, altering rainfall, snowfall, and temperature patterns.

For India, La Niña often translates to harsher-than-normal winters, particularly in North India and the Himalayan belt, where heavy snowfall becomes more likely.

A senior IMD official explained:

“Our models indicate more than a 50% chance of La Niña developing by October-December. While climate change has a warming influence, winters this year are still expected to be colder than average.”

The climate connection

Experts also stress that climate change is amplifying the unpredictability of seasonal patterns. The monsoon rains of 2025 were heavier than normal in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, already keeping temperatures somewhat in check. This suggests that 2025 may not be among the hottest years globally, but the winter chill will likely be more biting than usual.

G.P. Sharma, President of Skymet Weather, noted:

“The Pacific Ocean is cooler than normal, though not yet at official La Niña levels. Even a weaker cold phase can still impact global weather, with India likely to experience severe cold and heavy snowfall in the northern regions.”

What this means for India

• North India and Himalayas: Expect intense cold waves and higher snowfall.
• Central and Western India: Sharper-than-usual drops in temperature.
• Daily life: Increased demand for heating, warm clothing, and preparedness for extended cold spells.

In short, this winter may test endurance like few before, and experts are advising people to get their blankets and quilts ready early.