An unusual chill has gripped Delhi-NCR this October, with residents reporting colder temperatures earlier than usual. This early autumn cold is mirrored by reports of the season’s inaugural snowfall in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, and surrounding mountain locales. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released information suggesting a growing probability of La Niña developing, which could significantly influence India’s winter.
Climate modeling data, including that from the MMCFS, indicates a strong chance, over 50%, of La Niña conditions manifesting between October and December 2025. Weather experts have consistently noted that La Niña is a harbinger of colder winters in India. While climate change introduces variability, the established pattern of La Niña years points towards a more significant temperature drop. Consequently, India should be prepared for a winter that might extend its cold spell and bring temperatures below the typical seasonal average.
La Niña is a naturally occurring climate pattern and is the cooler counterpart to El Niño, both part of the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. These ENSO phases occur at irregular intervals, generally every two to seven years. Current assessments, supported by meteorological agencies, confirm the presence of La Niña conditions, which are predicted to continue through February 2026. A shift towards ENSO-neutral conditions is anticipated in the subsequent months.
While the snow has enhanced the natural beauty of regions like Bhaderwah, drawing visitors, the adverse weather has necessitated the closure of major highways, disrupting travel across the region. This early winter activity underscores the potential for a colder season ahead.