The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are likely to experience a cold wave between November 9 and 11, marking an early intensification of winter conditions across Northwest and Central India. According to IMD’s latest bulletin, minimum temperatures in several regions are expected to fall 2–5 degrees Celsius below normal during the night, bringing a noticeable and sudden drop in temperatures characteristic of early-season cold waves.

The forecast indicates that East Rajasthan will experience isolated cold wave conditions beginning November 9, while Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand will face similar patterns from November 9 through November 11. IMD officials noted that a broader cold wave pattern is expected to sweep across Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India over the coming week, affecting millions of residents and prompting authorities to issue relevant alerts.

The temperature drop will not be confined to the central belt alone. IMD has also predicted a fall of about 2–4 degrees Celsius in night temperatures across south Haryana, segments of the northwestern plains, and pockets of North Madhya Maharashtra over the next four to five days. These shifts are attributed to changing wind patterns and the dissipation of a cyclonic circulation that had previously brought some atmospheric moisture to parts of northern India.

In Rajasthan, winter conditions have already begun to tighten their grip. Sikar, one of the state’s coldest districts each winter, recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Friday night, marking the lowest temperature of the season so far. Residents in several towns have started witnessing colder mornings, foggy conditions, and reduced visibility—all typical indicators of approaching winter.

District-wise weather alerts have been issued for several regions based on severity expectations. Rajasthan’s Sikar and Tonk districts are under a yellow alert for cold wave conditions. A yellow alert is the first level of IMD’s weather warning system, indicating that residents should stay updated and take basic precautions. Although no warning has been issued for Rajasthan for November 10 at this stage, forecasters note that temperatures may still remain lower than normal.

In Madhya Pradesh, the warnings are more widespread. IMD has issued yellow alerts for Rewa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sehore, Indore, Dewas, and several other districts for expected cold-wave conditions beginning November 9. For November 10, the alert expands to include Ujjain, Chhatarpur, Katni, Satna, and additional areas across the state. With night temperatures dropping rapidly and cold winds intensifying, authorities in these districts may initiate local winter management measures, including homeless shelter preparations and hospital advisories for vulnerable groups.

Meteorologists explained that the prevailing cold wave conditions are influenced in part by the weakening of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over northern Haryana and its adjoining areas. As this weather system loses strength, dry and cooler northwesterly winds sweep into the region, lowering humidity and pushing temperatures down sharply. Dry northwesterly winds are a typical precursor to winter in northern India, often resulting in abrupt temperature dips.

The emergence of cold wave conditions is not limited to the plains. Higher Himalayan regions have already reported more intense cooling. Cold wave conditions were observed in several areas of Himachal Pradesh earlier in the week. Keylong recorded a minimum temperature of –3.2 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri reached –2.1 degrees. Local authorities reported significant frost accumulation in high-altitude pockets, marking the early onset of winter in the state.

Meanwhile, the national capital Delhi has begun preparing for what is expected to be a harsher-than-usual winter. Under the influence of La Niña, meteorologists anticipate colder temperatures and extended spells of low-temperature days this season. In response, the Delhi administration has finalised a detailed Cold Wave Action Plan. According to reports, the plan outlines short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to protect vulnerable populations, improve early-warning systems, and ensure adequate shelter and heating facilities. Measures include activation of night shelters, deployment of mobile vans for emergency outreach, health advisories, and coordination with disaster management teams to monitor sudden dips.

The anticipated cold wave also raises concerns for rural populations in the affected states, particularly farmers. Sudden temperature drops can affect standing crops, especially vegetables, mustard, and other rabi crops that are sensitive to extreme cold. Agricultural officers across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are expected to issue advisories urging farmers to protect seedlings, irrigate fields during extreme cold to maintain soil warmth, and use mulch or crop covers where possible.

Transport networks may also experience minor disruptions. Fog formation is likely to increase across northern plains as temperatures continue to fall, which can affect morning traffic and early-hour flights. Visibility issues typically worsen when cold winds combine with stable atmospheric conditions that trap moisture and pollutants close to the ground. This seasonal change often contributes to a rise in pollution levels across major cities in North India, including Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Indore.

Local administrations in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are advising residents to take necessary precautions, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Health experts recommend layered clothing, avoiding early morning exposure, and maintaining indoor warmth, especially for those suffering from respiratory conditions.

While the early winter chill is expected to intensify over the next couple of days, meteorologists will continue to monitor atmospheric patterns to determine whether the cold wave persists beyond November 11. Forecasters say that wind flow, humidity levels, and the movement of western disturbances will determine whether temperatures stabilise later in the month or continue to fall further.

As the cold wave looms across large parts of Northwest and Central India, communities, administrations, and meteorological agencies are gearing up for an early start to winter. With temperatures falling sharply and advisories in place, the coming week is expected to bring a marked shift in weather patterns, signalling the transition to one of the coldest phases of the year in the region.