India Faces Warmer Winter and Reduced Rainfall in 2026 IMD Forecast
IMD forecasts warmer winter with below-normal rainfall across most of India from January to March 2026.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a warmer winter season from January to March across most parts of the country. According to the weather agency, higher temperatures are likely to result in reduced rainfall and fewer cold wave conditions in several regions. The outlook suggests that winter this year may be shorter and less intense than usual.
IMD has warned that rainfall during the winter months is expected to remain below normal over Northwest, Northeast, and Peninsular India. The deficit in precipitation, combined with an early rise in temperatures, could further contribute to warming trends across the country. Such conditions may also increase pressure on water availability in already vulnerable regions.
Agriculture experts have expressed concern over the potential impact on winter crops, particularly wheat, which is predominantly grown in the Northwest. Reduced rainfall and warmer conditions during critical growth stages could affect crop flowering and yields. Farmers may need to adjust irrigation practices to mitigate possible losses.
Also Read: IMD Forecasts Clearer Skies After Three Days of Cyclone-Driven Rain
On a monthly scale, the IMD noted that January may witness colder nights but comparatively warmer days, with overall rainfall expected to remain normal. However, some areas of Central India, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar may experience a higher number of cold wave days during the month. These variations reflect uneven winter patterns across regions.
Looking back, 2025 ranked as the eighth warmest year in the past 125 years of IMD’s recorded history. The Northwest region also saw its fourth warmest December, while Central India recorded its driest December ever. The warmest year on record remains 2024, when India’s mean temperature was 0.65°C above the long-term average, highlighting a continuing trend of rising temperatures nationwide.
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