Rain-Snow Over Northern Mountains Trigger Cold Wave Over Maharashtra: Relief Likely
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra saw an extended and unusual cold wave across all land-locked regions in December.
- Pune recorded its coldest December since 2014, with sub-10°C temperatures on 16 days.
- Northerly dry winds and clear skies intensified cooling through radiation loss.
- Western Disturbances will change wind flow, bringing gradual temperature recovery.
The state of Maharashtra witnessed a prolonged cold spell across the region. All land-locked sub-divisions—Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha—experienced an extended cold wave spell during the month of December. The mercury has now begun to ease, and further relief is likely.
Earlier, a sharp cold wave strengthened its grip across North India during the last weekend, with snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and rainfall over the low and mid-height hills. Himachal Pradesh experienced extreme cold conditions as rain and snow lashed high-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Rohtang Pass, Pangi Valley, and Shinku La. Snowfall, albeit light, over Shinku La and surrounding areas at a height of about 5,000 metres drew increased attention from tourists. A new snow destination is on the cards and is being developed as a star attraction, witnessing rising footfall.
Following this wintry spell, cold wave conditions swept parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This wave travelled deeper and reached parts of Maharashtra. Several regions of the state experienced unusual cold wave conditions. The major city of Pune broke records of the past decade, emerging as the coldest December since 2014. Pune recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C on 16 days so far during December 2025. Cold and dry northerly winds, coupled with clear skies, triggered radiation loss, intensifying the cold conditions. Nashik also recorded similar temperatures for about 10 days this month, with the lowest minimum of 7.4°C on 19 December 2025. Jeur, in Madhya Maharashtra, earlier dipped to 5°C, triggering severe cold conditions.
A couple of Western Disturbances are likely to move across the northern hills. This will alter wind patterns over the plains, restricting the reach of bitter cold. The seasonal anticyclone over central and west Rajasthan is getting pushed eastward. The wind pattern will undergo a change, especially over the severely impacted regions. Any further fall in mercury will be arrested, and temperatures are expected to show a rising trend. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain in double digits over most parts during the remaining days of December.The state of Maharashtra witnessed a prolonged cold spell across the region. All land-locked sub-divisions—Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha—experienced an extended cold wave spell during the month of December. The mercury has now begun to ease, and further relief is likely.
Earlier, a sharp cold wave strengthened its grip across North India during the last weekend, with snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and rainfall over the low and mid-height hills. Himachal Pradesh experienced extreme cold conditions as rain and snow lashed high-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Rohtang Pass, Pangi Valley, and Shinku La. Snowfall, albeit light, over Shinku La and surrounding areas at a height of about 5,000 metres drew increased attention from tourists. A new snow destination is on the cards and is being developed as a star attraction, witnessing rising footfall.
Following this wintry spell, cold wave conditions swept parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This wave travelled deeper and reached parts of Maharashtra. Several regions of the state experienced unusual cold wave conditions. The major city of Pune broke records of the past decade, emerging as the coldest December since 2014. Pune recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C on 16 days so far during December 2025. Cold and dry northerly winds, coupled with clear skies, triggered radiation loss, intensifying the cold conditions. Nashik also recorded similar temperatures for about 10 days this month, with the lowest minimum of 7.4°C on 19 December 2025. Jeur, in Madhya Maharashtra, earlier dipped to 5°C, triggering severe cold conditions.
A couple of Western Disturbances are likely to move across the northern hills. This will alter wind patterns over the plains, restricting the reach of bitter cold. The seasonal anticyclone over central and west Rajasthan is getting pushed eastward. The wind pattern will undergo a change, especially over the severely impacted regions. Any further fall in mercury will be arrested, and temperatures are expected to show a rising trend. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain in double digits over most parts during the remaining days of December.
