As the festive season approaches, the southwest monsoon is nearing its retreat, typically beginning in the second week of September. However, this year, weather patterns are expected to deviate significantly.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a La Niña event is likely to develop towards the end of 2025, bringing an unusually harsh winter to India.
La Niña, characterised by significant cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, alters atmospheric circulation, intensifying winter conditions in the Indian subcontinent.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) aligns with WMO’s forecast, predicting a strong La Niña influence by late 2025, which will result in severe cold across India, including Odisha. Weather scientists suggest this winter could break temperature records compared to previous years.
The monsoon retreat is expected to be delayed, extending into late September or beyond. From November to February, the La Niña effect is likely to cause prolonged and intense cold spells. Odisha, too, is bracing for significantly colder temperatures, potentially surpassing past winters in severity.
This year, India has already recorded 108% of its normal monsoon rainfall, with Odisha experiencing above-average precipitation. Following this wet season, the WMO’s forecast of an extreme winter has raised concerns about its impact on daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure across the country.
