India is getting ready for a mixed spell of winter weather starting December 5. The (IMD), in its December 4 bulletin, has issued a forecast for the period up to December 10. The coming week will bring cold wave conditions, dense fog and some isolated rainfall in parts of the north, east and south. While no major storms are expected after December 5, the IMD has highlighted several local weather changes that could affect travel, farming and daily life.



According to the IMD, isolated to scattered rainfall is likely across the higher-altitude regions. These regions often see winter precipitation picking up in December, and the incoming weather patterns suggest the possibility of intermittent moisture-bearing clouds. Southern peninsular regions, mainly southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also expected to receive isolated rainfall, continuing the tail-end influence of the northeast monsoon. Light to moderate showers are forecast in the island territories as well, indicating widespread but mild precipitation activity.



Temperature trends show a clear winter onset in many parts of India. A noticeable fall in minimum temperatures by 2–3 degrees Celsius is expected over central, east and northeast India on December 5 and 6. This cooling trend marks the advance of colder northwesterly winds following recent western disturbances. After December 6, however, these regions are likely to witness no significant temperature changes, suggesting a period of stability. Maharashtra will maintain steady nighttime temperatures through December 9. From December 10 onward, the state is expected to experience a decline of about 2–3 degrees Celsius, bringing more pronounced winter conditions. Gujarat, on the other hand, is likely to see no substantial temperature variation throughout the week, remaining comparatively stable.






One of the most prominent features of the bulletin is the recurrent forecast of dense fog across multiple regions of the country. Fog conditions are expected to persist over isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from December 5 to 9. The northeastern states frequently face visibility issues during the early winter mornings due to rising humidity levels and cool air settling near the surface. Himachal Pradesh is also expected to witness dense fog from December 5 to 7. Parts of Odisha may see fog on December 5 and 6. Given the timing of these fog spells, generally during early morning hours, commuters, especially motorists, are advised to exercise caution as visibility may drop significantly.



Cold wave conditions are another highlight of the IMD bulletin. Isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana and East Rajasthan are expected to experience cold wave conditions on December 5, signalling an early dip in winter temperatures in North India. Jharkhand is forecast to come under the influence of a cold wave on December 6 and 7 as minimum temperatures drop more sharply. Cold wave conditions, defined by a marked decrease in temperatures relative to normal levels, can have implications not only for human health but also for agriculture, especially for standing winter crops like wheat and mustard.



December 5

The week opens with the most active weather day in the bulletin. Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated locations over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. This is accompanied by the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning, marking one of the last significant rainfall spells of the northeast monsoon season in the region. Elsewhere, Jharkhand may experience cold wave conditions as temperatures dip. Dense fog is expected across several states including Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Odisha. Light to moderate rainfall may continue over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, although no new heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for these areas.



December 6

Cold wave conditions persist in isolated pockets of Jharkhand. Fog remains a concern for the northeastern states and Himachal Pradesh, with visibility issues likely during the early hours. No thunderstorm or rainfall warnings have been announced for this day, suggesting a quieter weather pattern across most regions.



December 7

Fog continues over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, marking the third consecutive day of reduced morning visibility in the Northeast. The IMD has issued no warnings for rainfall or cold wave conditions elsewhere, implying relatively stable weather.



December 8

Fog is once again on the forecast for the northeastern states. Apart from this visibility issue, no other warnings have been flagged, indicating calmer conditions nationwide.



Although the bulletin does not list specific warnings for December 9 and 10, minimum temperatures in some regions such as Maharashtra are expected to dip gradually, contributing to a cooler and more seasonal winter environment. The IMD anticipates no noteworthy disturbances that could trigger heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or other severe weather phenomena during these two days.



India’s weather over the coming week will be shaped largely by cooling temperatures, fog formation and isolated rainfall. While the fog and cold wave warnings highlight short-term risks to transportation and public health, the general absence of severe weather for most days provides a relatively stable outlook. Regions such as Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may need to prepare for heavy rains on December 5, while residents in the Northeast should plan for several days of fog.



As winter advances across the subcontinent, the IMD continues to monitor evolving conditions, urging residents to stay updated and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to fog and cold wave impacts.