La Niña has officially returned, signalling a colder-than-usual winter for North India.

The phenomenon, marked by cooling in the central Pacific Ocean, often brings intense cold waves, fog, and below-normal temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

Experts say this year’s La Niña could persist through early 2026, strengthening winter conditions.

Combined with other oceanic factors like the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), weather patterns may see sharper temperature contrasts and stronger western disturbances.

Residents are advised to prepare for a nippy, extended winter season ahead.