The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a severe cold wave alert for Rajasthan for the period December 23–25, 2025, forecasting a drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in night temperatures below normal levels. The cold wave, driven by fresh western disturbances and cold northwesterly winds sweeping down from the Himalayas, is expected to affect most districts, with the worst conditions forecast for the northern and northwestern regions of Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, and Ganganagar — areas that regularly record near-freezing or sub-zero temperatures in December. Dense fog conditions were forecast for early mornings across the Ganges plains extending into eastern Rajasthan, affecting road, rail, and air connectivity. IMD advisories urged farmers to take precautionary measures for Rabi crops, particularly for mustard and wheat, which are vulnerable to frost. Cold wave conditions have significant impacts on marginalised communities including daily-wage labourers, the homeless, and livestock owners — making state government response critical. The Rajasthan government activated its Cold Wave Response Protocol under the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), directing district collectors to ensure availability of night shelters, warm clothing, and heating provisions in urban areas, and extending welfare schemes for rural labourers. Cold wave events in Rajasthan are a recurring hazard: the state combines extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter due to its continental interior location, lack of maritime moderating influence, and flat topography. Churu has historically recorded temperatures as low as –5°C. IMD's improved medium-range forecasting, using ensemble models and satellite data, has enhanced early warning capabilities — enabling pre-emptive action to minimise cold wave mortality and crop damage.