Prepare yourself, parents in Delhi—this winter is going to be very different from the last few years! The weatherman says that the next few months will be very cold because La Niña is coming back. You should know what this means for your family, especially the kids who will have to go to school in foggy mornings and breathe in air that is already getting worse.
What is the big deal about La Niña coming back?
Remember how the weather reports always talk about La Niña? Yes, it is finally here! The US National Weather Service has stated that there is a 71% chance that La Niña will happen between October and December 2025. This is not just weather language for parents in Delhi; it is knowledge that affects your family's health, daily life, and plans for the winter.
La Niña is the Pacific Ocean's cooling phase, which changes weather trends all over the world. For Delhi, it means temperatures that are colder than normal, the chance of more western storms bringing snow and rain to nearby hills, and, sadly, conditions that keep pollution closer to the ground. It must be fun, right?
What the weather will be like: Get your woolies ready!
Delhi is already seeing temps drop below 20°C in the middle of October, which is earlier than normal! It was 18.8°C at the IMD on one of the first cold nights of the season, and experts say this is just the start. We could see temperatures two to three degrees below average this winter because of La Niña.
In real life, what does this mean? It might be below 10°C in the mornings in January when you are trying to get your kids ready for school. The worst 40 days of winter in Kashmir, called "Chillai Kalan," happen from December 21 to January 31. This is expected to happen during the peak of La Niña. Even if Delhi does not get that cold, kids will need more than just jackets in the winter because of the thick fog that affects school bus scheduling and the cold mornings.
Get lots of warm clothes right now! Thermal underwear, a proper winter jacket, knitted socks, and a hat are not options this year; they are necessary. Also, you might want to buy that room heater you have been putting off.
The Big Bad of Pollution
This is where things get tricky. As of the middle of October, the AQI for Delhi was around 254, which means the air quality is now considered "bad." Some tracking sites, such as Anand Vihar (382), Wazirpur (351), and Jahangirpuri (342), are already showing "very bad" amounts, and it is not even winter yet!
Because of La Niña, temps are cooler, which causes what meteorologists call "temperature inversion." This means that cold air is stuck near the ground, and warmer air sits on top of it like a lid. This means that the smog from cars, building sites, burning sage, and Diwali fireworks stays at ground level instead of moving around. Families with young children, grandparents who are getting old, or people who already have breathing problems should be very worried about this.
About 18% of Delhi's smog comes from transportation emissions, and grass burning has already happened in Punjab, Haryana, and UP. This mix of problems will only get worse as winter goes on.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
First, buy good air filters for the beds, especially the ones where the kids sleep. Regularly check and change filters. Second, use apps like aqi.in or the CPCB website to check the AQI every day. When the AQI goes over 200 (bad), you should not do as much outside. Above 300 (very poor), keep kids inside between 6 AM and 10 PM, when pollution is at its worst.
Third, put together a "pollution kit" with N95 masks for everyone in the family, liquid nose spray, steam inhalers, and prescription inhalers for anyone with asthma. Fourth, change your habits. For example, you should go for walks in the morning and work out outside between 11 AM and 3 PM, when sunshine helps spread some smog.
The Matter of Rain
During La Niña, there are usually more changes in the western hemisphere. This means that Delhi could get rain or hail in the winter without warning. Even though rain briefly cleans up pollution (yay!), it can also cause sudden changes in the weather that can make kids sick with colds and flu. Keep weather tools close at hand and always have plans for things to do inside in case you can not go outside because of bad weather.
The Bright Side
Even though there are problems, there is also good news! When there is La Niña, the monsoons usually get better the next year. This means that Delhi will have more water protection. Even though it is cold, mosquitoes and other insects that spread disease are less likely to be around. And to be honest, there is something special about real winter in Delhi. Warm blankets, hot chocolate, and spending time with family inside can make for wonderful memories.
The Bottom Line for Families in Delhi
It is more important than normal to get ready for this winter. La Niña causes cooler weather, bad air quality, and maybe foggy or rainy days that mess up plans. But if you know what to do, have the right tools, and are open with your plans, you can keep your family healthy and even enjoy the season.
Every day, check the weather and pollution reports, buy good winter gear and air filters, plan when to be outside based on the AQI, keep medicines close by, and maybe most importantly, talk to your kids about why we are taking these steps. Learning about the climate starts at home!
Remember that we are all in this together, stay warm, and breathe clean as much as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is La Niña and how will it affect Delhi's winter in 2025-26?
La Niña is a cooling of Pacific Ocean temperatures that affects global weather patterns. For Delhi, there's a 71% chance of La Niña developing between October-December 2025, meaning temperatures 2-3°C below normal, potentially harsher cold waves, more fog, and atmospheric conditions that trap pollution at ground level, making air quality worse during winter months.
2. How cold will Delhi's winter be this year compared to previous years?
Delhi is expected to experience one of the coldest winters in recent years. Minimum temperatures could drop below 10°C during January, with the coldest period (December 21-January 31) coinciding with La Niña's peak. Early signs show temperatures already dropping below 20°C in mid-October, earlier than usual, indicating an extended cold season.
3. Why does La Niña make Delhi's air pollution worse?
La Niña creates colder temperatures that cause 'temperature inversion' – cold air gets trapped near the ground with warmer air above acting like a lid. This prevents pollution from vehicles, construction dust, stubble burning, and firecrackers from dispersing upward, keeping it concentrated at ground level where people breathe it. This is especially dangerous for children and elderly.
4. What is Delhi's current air quality situation as of October 2025?
As of mid-October 2025, Delhi's AQI is in the 'poor' category (254), with several areas like Anand Vihar (382), Wazirpur (351), and Jahangirpuri (342) already showing 'very poor' levels. Transport emissions contribute 18% of pollution, with stubble burning incidents beginning in Punjab, Haryana, and UP. Experts predict air quality will deteriorate further as winter progresses.
5. At what AQI level should I keep my children indoors?
When AQI reaches 201-300 ('poor'), limit prolonged outdoor activities and avoid peak pollution hours (6-10 AM and 6-10 PM). When AQI exceeds 300 ('very poor'), keep children indoors as much as possible, especially those with respiratory conditions. Above 400 ('severe'), strictly avoid all outdoor activities. Always have children wear N95 masks if they must go outside during high pollution days.
6. What winter clothing should Delhi parents buy for their kids this year?
Given the predicted harsher winter, invest in quality thermals (full sets), proper winter jackets with insulation, woolen socks and caps, layering options like fleece jackets, waterproof outer layers for unexpected rain, gloves, and warm shoes or boots. Don't rely on light sweaters – genuine cold-weather gear is essential this year.
7. How can I protect my family's health during Delhi's polluted winter?
Install air purifiers in bedrooms (replace filters regularly), monitor AQI daily using apps, create a 'pollution kit' with N95 masks and saline nasal spray, schedule outdoor activities between 11 AM-3 PM when pollution is lower, keep windows closed during high pollution, ensure kids take prescribed medications for asthma/allergies, and consult doctors early if respiratory symptoms develop.
8. Will there be more rain in Delhi this winter due to La Niña?
Yes, La Niña typically brings increased western disturbances, which can cause unexpected winter rain and even hailstorms in Delhi. While rain temporarily improves air quality by washing away pollutants, it also means sudden weather changes and disrupted outdoor plans. Keep weather apps handy and have backup indoor activities ready for kids.
9. How does stubble burning contribute to Delhi's winter pollution?
Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and UP burn crop residue (stubble) after harvest, creating massive smoke clouds that drift toward Delhi. In 2025, monitoring already shows burning incidents (20 in Punjab, 2 in Haryana, 49 in UP as of mid-October). Combined with La Niña's temperature inversion effect, this smoke gets trapped at ground level, significantly worsening Delhi's air quality during winter.
10. Are there any positive aspects of La Niña for Delhi families?
Yes! La Niña conditions often lead to stronger monsoons the following year, improving water security for Delhi. Genuine cold weather reduces mosquito populations and certain disease vectors. The colder winter also offers opportunities for family bonding indoors, enjoying seasonal foods, and teaching children about weather patterns and climate literacy while creating cozy winter memories together.
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