Guwahati, Dec 10: Meghalaya is heading into a winter of contrasts, with warmer-than-usual days but a higher risk of cold wave spells, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) latest seasonal outlook for December 2025 to February 2026.

The maximum temperature map for the season places Northeast India—including Meghalaya—firmly in the “above normal” zone, indicating that the state will experience warmer day temperatures throughout winter. Districts along the foothills and plateaus—such as Ri-Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills—are likely to feel noticeably warmer mid-day conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a winter of contrasts for Northeast India, with warmer-than-usual daytime temperatures but a higher likelihood of cold wave spells, especially in December.

December’s minimum temperature analysis shows above normal night temperatures for most of Northeast India, including Meghalaya. This means the early winter chill may set in later than usual.

However, this does not rule out abrupt temperature drops. IMD’s cold wave anomaly maps show parts of the Northeast in blue shading, indicating more cold wave days than normal this winter.

For Meghalaya, this means: Short, sharp cold wave spells even during an overall warmer season, Higher discomfort for children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues.

The IMD warns that increased cold wave activity could bring dense early-morning fog, reducing visibility on hill roads.

The rainfall probability chart indicates that Meghalaya has higher chances of receiving above-normal rainfall in December.
This is particularly likely along the state’s southern slopes—such as the Sohra–Mawsynram belt, which are climatologically prone to early-winter showers.

The IMD attributes these mixed winter signals to Weak La Niña, expected to persist through early 2026, and a weakening negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) moving toward neutral. These global climate patterns typically bring warmer days, sporadic cold waves and higher moisture to the Northeast.

The department has urged citizens and state agencies to monitor its Impact-Based Forecasts (IBF) for timely warnings on cold waves, fog and rainfall fluctuations. Agriculture, transport and health sectors may need to prepare for variable and rapidly changing winter conditions.

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