The lowest temperature ever recorded in the state was –3.4°C at Barapani (Umiam) on January 14, 1989
Shillong, Jan 8: This winter in Meghalaya might seem harsh, especially people in Khasi-Jaintia Hills where the temperatures dipped very close to freezing point at some places, but IMD records show the state witnessing much colder days in the past.
The lowest temperature ever recorded in the state was –3.4°C at Barapani (Umiam) on January 14, 1989, a benchmark that remains unmatched more than three decades later. Shillong, the state capital, came close, recording its all-time lowest minimum of –3.3°C on December 30, 1963.
Those historic extremes have returned to public attention as Meghalaya continues to shiver under an intense winter spell.
On January 8, 2026, Mawkyrwat recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 0.6°C, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre, Shillong.
The temperature map for the day showed widespread cold conditions across the hills. Shillong recorded a minimum of 5°C, while Barapani (Umiam) dipped to 5.2°C. Sohra (Cherrapunji) registered 5.5°C, and Nongstoin was among the colder pockets at 1.5°C. In eastern Meghalaya, Jowai recorded 7.4°C, while Mynkre touched 3.8°C. Western districts remained comparatively warmer, with Tura at 11.2°C, Williamnagar at 9.7°C, Ampati at 9.6°C, and Resubelpara at 10.5°C.
Meteorologists attributed the prevailing cold weather to clear sky and local radiative cooling intensification at night. Early morning dense fog and the possibility of ground frost at isolated places, particularly in valley areas such as South West Khasi Hills, have also been flagged.
The IMD has advised motorists to exercise caution during foggy conditions and urged farmers to take preventive measures, as ground frost can damage winter crops and vegetation. While temperatures are expected to remain low over the next few days, no fresh weather warnings have been issued beyond the immediate forecast period.
As winter tightens its grip on the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills, Mawkyrwat’s near-freezing night has once again revived memories of Meghalaya’s coldest days — when temperatures dipped well below zero and etched lasting records in the state’s climatic history.
