New Delhi | December 5, 2025
A sharp drop in temperature following heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region has intensified the cold wave across several Indian states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave alerts for Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, parts of Rajasthan, and dense fog warnings for several northeastern states. The severe cold conditions have disrupted normal life, especially in northern and eastern India.
❄️ Kashmir Freezes at –4°C
The Kashmir Valley remains in the grip of extreme winter. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of –4°C, one of the coldest mornings of the season, while the maximum temperature stayed around 12.6°C. Dense morning fog and freezing nights have become routine, though daily activities continue with residents wrapped in heavy woollens. IMD predicts further temperature drops in early December.
Heavy snowfall is also likely in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra due to an active western disturbance. Rain and snowfall are expected on Friday, clearer weather on Saturday, and renewed precipitation on December 7. Several regions around the Bhakra Dam have been placed under a yellow fog alert.
🥶 Jharkhand: Gumla Coldest at 5.9°C
The cold wave has strengthened in eastern India as well. Jharkhand will face a yellow alert for the next 48 hours across Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega.
Recorded minimum temperatures:
Gumla: 5.9°C
Khunti: 8°C
Daltonganj: 8.6°C
Hazaribagh: 8.8°C
Bokaro: 9.5°C
Latehar: 9.8°C
IMD expects another 4°C drop in many districts over the next 72 hours due to strong northwesterly winds.
🏔️ Himachal Pradesh: Tabo at –7.4°C, Snowfall Likely Today
Himachal Pradesh continues to experience severe cold.
Minimum temperatures recorded:
Tabo: –7.4°C
Kukumseri: –4°C
Samdo: –3.9°C
Kalpa: –0.6°C
Solan: 2.3°C
Manali: 2.3°C
Dharamshala: 5.8°C
Shimla: 6.8°C
Snowfall is forecast on December 5 and 7, while clear weather is expected from December 8–10.
🌫️ Northeast: Dense Fog Expected
From December 5 to 9, dense fog is likely in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Morning visibility is expected to reduce drastically during this period.
Odisha may also experience dense fog on December 5 and 6.
🌡️ Cold Wave to Intensify Across Most of India
IMD’s extended forecast indicates:
Light to moderate fog in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh over the next two days.
Increased western disturbance activity bringing more snowfall across the Himalayan belt.
Clear, dry weather in South India with no major warnings.
Overall nationwide temperature decline as winter strengthens.
Authorities advise citizens—especially children, elderly people, and those with health conditions—to take protective measures, wear warm clothing during mornings and evenings, and avoid travel during low-visibility hours.
🧊 Punjab: Adampur Coldest at 3.0°C; Yellow Alert in Eight Districts
Punjab continues to face severe cold as minimum temperatures remain below normal.
Key temperatures recorded:
Adampur: 3.0°C (coldest in the state)
Faridkot: 3.2°C
Bathinda: 3.8°C
IMD has issued a yellow cold wave alert for eight districts on Friday.
