New Delhi | December 17, 2025 :
A cold wave has tightened its grip across large parts of India, with sharp winter chill persisting in the hills and dense fog disrupting daily life in the plains. While higher altitudes continue to witness snowfall, northern plains are battling poor visibility due to fog and pollution. Meanwhile, parts of South India and coastal regions have been placed on alert for rain and gusty winds due to cyclonic circulation.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India remains under the influence of active western disturbances and a strong subtropical westerly jet stream. These systems are sustaining cold conditions, particularly during night hours. In Delhi-NCR, falling minimum temperatures have raised the likelihood of foggy conditions for the next five days.
Western Disturbances Intensify Winter Chill
IMD officials said a western disturbance is active over north Pakistan and adjoining areas at higher altitudes, while another trough persists in the mid-tropospheric levels. The subtropical westerly jet stream, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 knots (around 223 km/h), is strengthening these winter systems, keeping temperatures low across northwest India.
A fresh but weak western disturbance is expected to affect the Himalayan region from the night of December 17, potentially bringing light rain or snowfall in higher reaches. In the plains, dense fog during early mornings and late nights is reducing visibility, impacting road and rail traffic.
Between December 17 and 20, minimum temperatures across north India are likely to remain below normal, with colder nights ahead. Daytime temperatures may rise slightly where sunshine prevails.
Fog Alerts Across North India
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are likely to experience fog on December 17 and 18. Very dense fog has been forecast for Uttar Pradesh on December 17, while Madhya Pradesh may see extremely dense fog on December 17 and 18. Parts of Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast could also witness fog. Cold northwesterly winds are intensifying the chill, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh: Snow in Higher Reaches, Fog Alert in Plains
Weather conditions have shifted in Himachal Pradesh, with light snowfall reported on higher peaks of Lahaul-Spiti. Several locations recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures, including Kukumseri at minus 5.7°C and Tabo at minus 2.7°C. IMD has issued a yellow alert for fog in lower areas on December 17 and 18, while higher elevations may see light rain or snow due to the approaching western disturbance.
Uttarakhand: Dry but Intensifying Cold
Uttarakhand continues to experience dry yet severe cold. The Dehradun Meteorological Centre expects minimum temperatures to drop by 2–3°C over the next four to five days. While daytime sunshine may offer some relief, nights are expected to remain extremely cold.
Shimla Records Unusually Warm December Nights
In a rare trend, Shimla has recorded warmer-than-normal December nights after 34 years. On December 17, 1991, the hill town recorded a minimum temperature of 13.3°C. This Monday night, the temperature stood at 11.4°C, significantly above the seasonal average.
Delhi-NCR: Temperature Drops, Fog Likely for Five Days
Delhi-NCR saw bright sunshine and breezy conditions on Tuesday, reducing morning fog despite a yellow alert. However, minimum temperatures dipped again. IMD has forecast light to moderate fog between December 17 and 22, along with partly cloudy skies due to the incoming western disturbance.
On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 24.9°C and a minimum of 8.3°C, slightly below normal. In the coming days, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 22°C and 26°C, while minimum temperatures may hover between 8°C and 11°C. With no significant rainfall recorded in November or December, the national capital is unlikely to witness severe cold spells before the end of the month.
