As mid-March unfolds, India witnesses a complex interplay of weather phenomena. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a mix of rainfall, snowfall, and rising temperatures across various regions, signaling a significant shift in climatic conditions.
Northern India: Rain and Snowfall Expected
A strong Western Disturbance, characterized by a cyclonic circulation over West Iran, is influencing weather patterns in North India. Another cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan contributes to widespread precipitation in the western Himalayan region.
- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh: Expect fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall/snowfall with thunderstorms and lightning from March 12 to 16. Heavy snowfall is anticipated on March 14.
- Uttarakhand: Similar weather conditions are forecasted during the same period.
- Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan: Isolated light to moderate rain is expected between March 12 and 15, with thunderstorms likely in Punjab, Haryana, and West UP on March 13 and 14.
Northeast India: Heavy Rainfall and Gusty Winds
Two troughs over the eastern region, one at lower and another at middle tropospheric levels, are influencing the weather in the northeast.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Fairly widespread rainfall from March 12 to 15, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on March 13.
- Assam & Meghalaya: Scattered rainfall with gusty winds (40–50 kmph) on March 12 and 13; isolated heavy rainfall on March 13.
- Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura: Rainfall is expected from March 12 to 16.
Southern India: Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain
An easterly wave and a trough over the southwest Bay of Bengal are bringing instability to southern states.
- Kerala & Mahe: Thunderstorms, gusty winds (30–40 kmph), and heavy rain on March 12.
- Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal: Thunderstorms on March 12, with heavy to very heavy rain in south Tamil Nadu.
- Lakshadweep: Thunderstorms on March 12.
- South Interior Karnataka: Isolated thunderstorms on March 12.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Light to moderate rainfall expected for the next seven days.
Central and Western India: Heatwave Conditions
While northern regions experience cooler temperatures due to precipitation, central and western parts of India face rising temperatures and heatwave conditions.
- Gujarat: Heatwave conditions are expected on March 12.
- Southwest Rajasthan: Heatwave conditions are anticipated on March 12.
- Konkan: Heatwave conditions are forecasted on March 12.
- Vidarbha: Heatwave conditions are likely on March 13 and 14.
- Odisha: Heatwave conditions are expected from March 13 to 15.
Additionally, warm night conditions are expected in parts of Gujarat, and hot and humid weather will affect North Kerala, Konkan, and Coastal Karnataka on March 12.
Delhi-NCR: Light Rain and Temperature Fluctuations
The Delhi NCR region will witness mild fluctuations in temperature with occasional drizzle and strong winds.
- March 12: Misty morning, partly cloudy skies, and strong northwest winds increasing by noon. Maximum temperatures between 32–34°C; minimum temperatures between 16–18°C.
- March 13: Generally cloudy with light rain possible at night. Maximum temperatures between 33–35°C; minimum temperatures between 17–19°C.
- March 14: Cloudy with drizzle likely. Maximum temperatures between 33–35°C; minimum temperatures between 16–18°C.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations
Residents in affected regions are advised to:
- Stay updated with local weather bulletins.
- Avoid travel during heavy rain or snowfall.
- Take necessary precautions against thunderstorms and lightning.
- In heatwave-prone areas, stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, and watch out for signs of heat-related illness.
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