Delhi has been shivering through unexpectedly cold nights and overcast skies, as Himalayan gusts push down cooler air.Meanwhile, the high Himalayas—especially Himachal Pradesh—are already turning white with early snowfall.

Meteorologists point to the re-emergence of La Niña conditions — where cooler Pacific Ocean surface temperatures modify global circulation, often promoting wetter, cooler winters in northern India. Under such patterns, cold waves may become more frequent and snow may arrive earlier in the hills.  
However, caveats remain. Local weather systems, western disturbances, and climate change may interfere, making outcomes uneven. For Delhi, that could mean cooler days, sharper nights, and more reliance on heating sooner than usual. If La Niña strengthens, the 2025-26 winter may rival cold spells seen decades ago in intensity.