IMD Weather Update: Rain and Snowfall Expected Across North India This Holi!
The IMD has forecast rain across North India, including Delhi-NCR, during Holi celebrations, starting Thursday. Rain will also affect parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh on Friday. A Western Disturbance will bring light snowfall to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The rainfall is expected to continue until March 15, offering relief from the rising temperatures. However, temperatures are predicted to rise again after March 16, marking the arrival of summer.
Cyclonic circulations from the Mediterranean Sea are impacting India’s weather, with one located over western Iran and nearby areas at 3.1 to 9.6 kilometers above sea level. Another circulation is over south-west Rajasthan, and a trough extending from the Bay of Bengal reaches Tamil Nadu at 1.5 kilometers above sea level. This weather system is causing rainfall and affecting temperatures. While March typically marks the end of winter, this year has seen a rapid increase in temperatures. The IMD’s forecast provides a temporary reprieve before the summer heat sets in next week.
IMD Weather Update: Rain and Snowfall Expected Across North India This Holi!
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a weather advisory in anticipation of Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, which commences on Thursday, March 14, and reaches its peak on Friday, March 15. According to the forecast, parts of North India, including the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), are likely to experience rainfall on Thursday, with precipitation extending to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh on Friday. This weather shift is attributed to an active Western Disturbance impacting the region, which is also expected to bring light snowfall to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the same period.
The IMD highlighted that the ongoing Western Disturbance—a cyclonic storm system originating from the Mediterranean region—is the primary driver of these weather changes. This system interacts with the Himalayan terrain, triggering cloud formation, rain, and snowfall in higher altitudes. As a result, residents in the northern plains and hilly states can anticipate overcast skies, intermittent showers, and cooler temperatures during the initial days of Holi celebrations.
Rainfall and Temperature Trends
The rainfall activity is predicted to persist until March 15, providing temporary relief from the gradual rise in daytime temperatures observed across North India in recent weeks. However, the IMD cautioned that summer-like conditions are likely to set in by March 16, with a sharp increase in mercury levels expected post-rainfall. This abrupt transition from wet, cooler weather to warmer days is linked to the withdrawal of the Western Disturbance and the arrival of dry, continental winds from northwest India.
Cyclonic Circulations Influencing Weather Patterns
In addition to the Western Disturbance, the IMD identified two other meteorological systems contributing to the current weather dynamics. A cyclonic circulation over Iran and adjoining areas is enhancing moisture incursion into northwestern India, amplifying rainfall intensity in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Simultaneously, another cyclonic circulation over southwestern Rajasthan is creating localized instability, potentially leading to isolated heavy showers in parts of the arid state.
Further south, a trough—a band of low-pressure air—extending from the Bay of Bengal to Tamil Nadu is influencing weather in peninsular India. While this system is unlikely to impact Holi celebrations in the north, it may cause scattered rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka over the weekend.
Regional Impact and Advisory
- Delhi-NCR: Light to moderate rain is expected on Thursday, with cloudy skies persisting through Friday. Temperatures may dip by 3–4°C during this period.
- Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh: Widespread rain is forecasted for Friday, potentially affecting outdoor Holi events. Farmers have been advised to safeguard harvested crops.
- Rajasthan: Isolated heavy showers may occur in districts like Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Barmer due to the cyclonic circulation.
- Hilly Regions: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will witness light snowfall in higher altitudes, with rain in lower areas. Tourists have been alerted to possible travel disruptions.
Temporary Respite from Heat
The incoming rain is expected to lower maximum temperatures by 2–5°C across North India, offering a brief reprieve from the unseasonably warm conditions reported in early March. For instance, Delhi recorded a high of 34°C on March 12, which is likely to drop to 28°C on March 14. Similarly, cities like Chandigarh and Jaipur may see daytime temperatures settle near 26–27°C during the wet spell.
Post-Rain Warm-Up
By March 16, as the Western Disturbance moves eastward, dry northwesterly winds will dominate, causing temperatures to surge rapidly. The IMD predicts maximum temperatures to climb back to 33–35°C in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Haryana, marking the onset of summer. This pattern aligns with typical pre-monsoon weather transitions, where sporadic rain alternates with rising heat.
Preparations for Holi Celebrations
Authorities have urged residents to stay updated on weather alerts, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging or landslides. While the rain may dampen outdoor festivities, it could also improve air quality in cities like Delhi, where particulate levels have remained moderate in recent days.
In conclusion, the IMD’s advisory underscores the dynamic weather patterns shaping Holi celebrations this year. While the rain and snow may temporarily disrupt plans, they also highlight the complex interplay of global and regional meteorological systems affecting India’s climate. Citizens are encouraged to balance festive enthusiasm with precautions against unpredictable weather changes.
