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November typically marks the transition to India’s winter season, with retreating monsoons, cooler temperatures in the north, and the onset of the post-monsoon (northeast monsoon) rainfall in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As of November 21, 2025:
Temperature: Much of northern and central India is experiencing below-normal minimum temperatures, with anomalies of 2–6°C below average in several regions.
This has led to cold wave conditions in isolated pockets, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and parts of northwest India. Daytime highs remain pleasant (around 25–30°C in the north), but nights are noticeably colder than usual.
Rainfall: The country is largely dry, with very little rainfall expected climatologically. Isolated heavy rains have occurred in southern India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala) earlier in the month due to cyclonic systems, but no major active cyclones or depressions are reported around November 21 in the North Indian Ocean basin.
Air Pollution: This is the dominant acute issue. Delhi and surrounding areas in northern India are under a severe smog episode, with real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings exceeding 400 (Hazardous category) in many locations, driven by stubble burning, low wind speeds, temperature inversions, and vehicular/industrial emissions. Visibility is reduced, and “very poor” to “severe” air quality persists across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Mumbai and other cities have moderate to poor AQI (around 160–200).
Broader Context for 2025: India has faced extreme weather on nearly every day (99% of days) in the first nine months of the year, including heatwaves, floods, landslides, and storms. While November itself is calmer, it follows a record-breaking year for climate extremes
Impacts and Consequences
The climate situation, particularly the toxic air pollution and early cold snap, has wide-ranging effects:
Health Impacts:
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR and northern India is causing a public health emergency. Hazardous AQI levels (PM2.5 often >300 µg/m³) lead to respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, cardiovascular issues, and exacerbated conditions like asthma and COPD. Hospitals report surges in pollution-related admissions, especially among children and the elderly. Long-term exposure contributes to reduced life expectancy (studies estimate 5–10 years lost in polluted northern cities).
The cold wave increases risks of hypothermia, flu, and cold-related illnesses in vulnerable populations, including the homeless and rural poor.
Economic and Livelihood Consequences:
Construction bans, vehicle restrictions (e.g., GRAP Stage III/IV measures in Delhi), and school closures disrupt daily economic activity, costing billions in lost productivity.
Agriculture: Post-harvest stubble burning contributes to pollution but stems from short cropping cycles; cooler temperatures may benefit rabi crops (wheat, mustard) but delay sowing if fog persists.
Aviation and transport: Dense smog reduces visibility, causing flight delays and road accidents.
Social and Environmental Effects:
Reduced outdoor activities, mental health strain from “locked-in” lifestyles, and inequality (poorer communities lack air purifiers or heating).
Ecosystems: Pollution deposits harm soil and water; early cold affects migratory birds and
