India is facing an alarming transformation in its cold wave patterns, indicating a potential shift in seasonal behavior. According to an analysis by Down To Earth (DTE), the year 2026 recorded 24 days of cold waves in January, yet there were none in February, marking a significant change for the first time in five years. This deviation includes occurrences spread across 15 states, representing the second lowest number of cold wave events in this timeframe, suggesting that the cold is no longer confined to the traditional winter months and is becoming increasingly erratic.

The conclusion of winter is imminent, as indicated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which forecasts that temperatures will be 2-4 degrees Celsius above normal. This highlights an undeniable shift in climate, with the end of winter now officially recognized on February 28. The last recorded cold wave was observed on January 25 in parts of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, with cold wave conditions persisting in Himachal Pradesh until January 27, before vanishing entirely in February.

These changes raise concerns regarding climate unpredictability in India, as the warmth typically associated with spring has begun encroaching earlier than expected. The implications for agriculture, health, and daily life are significant, posing a need for adapting to a new climate reality as patterns of cold and warmth become less predictable.