IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Rain Jan-March; Rabi Crop Safe, Climate Change Impacts Noted

• IMD predicts below-normal rainfall for Jan-March 2026 across most of India, but assures no adverse impact on Rabi crop due to irrigation and reservoir levels.
• January 2026 to see mixed temperature trends, with below-normal minimums for most regions and above-normal cold waves in parts of Central India, East UP, and Bihar.
• Decreased December rainfall and snowfall in Northwest India, attributed to climate change, may affect Himalayan tourism. Less snow could benefit 2026 monsoon.
• 2025 was the 8th warmest year since 1901, with significant fatalities from thunderstorms, floods, and heatwaves.

Why It Matters: IMD forecasts less rain but no Rabi crop threat; climate change impacts weather patterns and 2025 was warm.