New Delhi, India | December 18, 2025
Weather Forecast: December Shows Contrasting Winter Conditions Across India
December continues to display contrasting weather patterns across India, with heavy cold and snowfall expected in hill states, while dense fog and plunging temperatures disrupt life in the plains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts across North India, warning of worsening cold conditions in the coming days.
Western Disturbance Intensifies Winter Impact
According to the IMD, an active western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, combined with a subtropical westerly jet stream, is fueling rapid weather changes across North India. Winds at around 12.6 km altitude are blowing at speeds of up to 110 knots (203.7 kmph), adding momentum to cold waves, fog formation, and snowfall in higher altitudes.
People have been advised to take health and travel precautions, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Kashmir Valley Remains in Deep Freeze
Cold conditions persist across the Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -1.6°C
Zoji La Pass plunged to -16°C
IMD forecasts light snowfall in higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir between December 18 and 31, while light rain is likely in plains on December 20 and 21. No immediate relief from cold is expected.
Uttarakhand: Snowfall Likely After Brief Dry Spell
Uttarakhand is currently witnessing dry weather with sunshine, but mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold.
IMD predicts light snowfall in higher regions of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh on December 21, with light rain in lower areas.
Rajasthan Sees Sharp Temperature Drop
Winter conditions have tightened their grip over Rajasthan, with several districts recording minimum temperatures below 4°C:
Nagaur: 3.7°C
Fatehpur (Sikar): 3.8°C
Vanthali (East Rajasthan): 6°C
Alwar: 7.4°C
Jaipur: 10.7°C
Eastern Rajasthan experienced colder conditions than western regions. Barmer recorded 13.8°C, Jaisalmer 9.6°C, and Jodhpur 12.1°C.
Himachal Pradesh: Fog, Rain, and Snow Ahead
The Shimla Meteorological Center stated that the western disturbance will impact Himachal Pradesh from the night of December 17.
Rain and snowfall are likely in higher altitudes on December 20 and 21
Yellow alert for dense fog issued for plains, Bhakra Dam area (Bilaspur), and Balh Valley (Mandi) on December 17 and 18
Despite the cold, Dharamshala recorded an unusual December high of 26°C, breaking a 2010 record.
Lowest temperatures recorded:
Tabo: -5.4°C
Kukumsheri: 6.0°C
Manali: 3.9°C
Kalpa: 3.4°C
Uttar Pradesh: Red Alert for Dense Fog in 20 Districts
Uttar Pradesh is witnessing severe cold and dangerously dense fog, with visibility dropping to near zero in cities including Lucknow, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, and Kanpur.
In Bahraich, Hardoi, and Shahjahanpur, visibility reduced to just 30 meters.
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for extremely dense fog in 20 districts, along with warnings of cold day conditions.
Bareilly emerged as the coldest district, with daytime temperature falling to 13.4°C, 8.1°C below normal
Shahjahanpur recorded 13.8°C, 7.5°C below normal
