Severe Weather Alert: Rain & Snow Hit North India, Heatwave Scorches Gujarat, Odisha & Bengal!
A Western Disturbance and cyclonic circulations will bring rain, snow, and thunderstorms to North and Northeast India, while heatwave conditions will grip Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bengal. Heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between March 14-16, with isolated thunderstorms likely in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, will experience widespread rain, lightning, and gusty winds, with hailstorms possible in Central Assam on March 14.
Northwest and Central India will see a temperature drop of 2-3°C after 24-48 hours, while Western and Southern India will gradually warm up by 2-4°C. Delhi-NCR will have cloudy skies, occasional drizzle, and misty mornings from March 14-16. Odisha and Bengal may experience heatwave conditions with warm nights on March 15-16. The IMD has advised travelers and farmers to take necessary precautions against extreme weather. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated with local forecasts to avoid disruptions.
Severe Weather Alert: Rain & Snow Hit North India, Heatwave Scorches Gujarat, Odisha & Bengal!
A significant weather event is set to impact India over the next few days, with a Western Disturbance and cyclonic circulations bringing widespread rain, snow, and thunderstorms to northern and northeastern regions. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions will affect various parts of central, western, and eastern India, creating a stark contrast in weather patterns. Delhi-NCR is expected to experience cloudy skies with occasional drizzle, and the temperature will fluctuate between moderate heat and cooler conditions, making it essential for residents to stay informed and take precautions.
The Western Disturbance, which has formed as a cyclonic circulation over Afghanistan at the lower and mid-tropospheric levels, will be accompanied by another cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan. Together, these weather systems are set to impact multiple states, primarily in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, bringing light to moderate rainfall and snowfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
From March 14-16, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will witness widespread rain and snow, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. These regions are also likely to experience heavy rainfall and snowfall, particularly Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Gilgit-Baltistan between March 14-15, and Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on March 15-16. In other northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh, isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected. East Uttar Pradesh is also likely to experience similar conditions on March 15-16.
In the northeastern region, a cyclonic circulation over East Bangladesh and a trough in the westerlies along 88°E longitude are expected to bring substantial weather activity. Arunachal Pradesh will see fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall from March 14-17, with isolated heavy rain on March 14 and from March 16-17. Other northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, will experience scattered to fairly widespread rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 km/h) from March 14-17. Central Assam and other parts of Northeast India will also face isolated hailstorms on March 14.
On the temperature front, the IMD forecasts varied trends across the country. In Northwest India, temperatures are expected to remain stable for 24 hours before dropping by 2-3°C. Central India will experience stable temperatures for the next 48 hours, followed by a decrease of 2-3°C. In Western India, a gradual decline of 2-4°C is anticipated over the next 4-5 days. Eastern India will experience a slight rise in temperatures by 2-3°C for the next three days, before stabilizing. Meanwhile, Southern Peninsular India will see a gradual increase of 2-4°C over the same period.
Heatwave conditions are expected to grip several states, including Gujarat and southwest Rajasthan on March 14, with Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh also likely to experience similar conditions on the same day. Odisha is forecast to endure heatwave conditions from March 14-17, while Jharkhand will see a continuation of this hot weather from March 14-17. Gangetic West Bengal is expected to experience heatwaves from March 15-17. Additionally, Odisha may experience unusually warm nights on March 15 and 16, intensifying the heat stress in the region.
For Delhi-NCR, the weather outlook indicates that the region will experience mostly cloudy skies, with occasional drizzle and misty mornings from March 14-16. Temperatures will vary between 30-34°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. On March 14, the region will see cloudy conditions, with morning mist and drizzle, along with moderate winds. Similar weather conditions are expected on March 15 and 16, with light rain and drizzle continuing throughout the day. Winds will shift direction throughout the day, from southeast in the morning to northwest in the afternoon and evening.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has urged residents of affected areas to stay updated with local weather forecasts and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risks associated with extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and heatwaves. Farmers are advised to plan their activities around the changing weather patterns to avoid disruptions. Travelers should also stay informed to mitigate the impact of adverse weather, which could affect both transportation and outdoor plans.
As these weather systems develop, it remains critical for people in impacted regions to remain vigilant, especially in areas expecting intense weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, snowfall, and heatwaves. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as necessary, ensuring that the public has the information required to stay safe.
