Winter Alert: This winter will be harsh! Temperatures will be lower than normal, and cold waves will increase; the Meteorological Department has issued a warning.

The upcoming winter in India will be more severe than in previous years. According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures are likely to be below normal in northern, central, and peninsular regions between December 2025 and February 2026. The number of cold wave days is also expected to increase in many states, which could be challenging for the elderly, children, and the sick.

According to the India Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures are expected to be below normal or near normal in northern India, central India, and peninsular India this coming winter. In contrast, maximum temperatures may be slightly above normal in northeastern India and the Himalayan foothills.

The forecast report states that the number of cold wave days in northern India, central India, and northeastern India may be higher than in previous years. This will affect the elderly, children, and those suffering from heart, lung, and joint diseases the most. Dense fog may also impact railway, air, and road transport. Minimum temperatures in central and northwestern India will be below normal during December. Maximum temperatures will remain above normal in most areas, although the opposite trend (below normal) is possible in some areas.

Be cautious...consume foods that keep the body warm.

In view of the increasing cold, experts have advised people to remain vigilant and consume foods that keep the body warm from within. Experts said that traditional foods like sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, chickpeas, and jaggery are considered extremely effective in maintaining a stable body temperature. Incorporating small amounts of spices like ginger, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric into regular meals improves blood circulation and helps prevent colds.

Furthermore, grains containing complex carbohydrates like millet, sorghum, ragi, oats, and lentils provide long-lasting energy and generate natural heat in the body. Nutritional science also suggests that foods containing ghee, eggs, chicken soup, mung beans, and fenugreek seeds strengthen immunity during the cold season and reduce the impact of the cold. The patient must consult his doctor in this regard.