Weather Update: Heavy Rain & Snowfall to Hit North India as Western Disturbance Intensifies; Hailstorm Likely in Punjab, Haryana & UP

A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is set to hit North India, with the IMD predicting thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds in several states. Hilly areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will see heavy snowfall, while Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh may experience rain and hail. Here are the details

Western Disturbance Brings Rain and Snowfall to Northern States

A strong Western Disturbance is currently impacting Northwest India, bringing widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will experience significant precipitation on February 28. Gusty winds up to 50 kmph are expected over Jammu & Kashmir, while Himachal Pradesh may see winds reaching 40 kmph.

Additionally, isolated areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to witness heavy to very heavy snowfall on these days. Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh will also experience moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy rainfall over Punjab.

Thunderstorms and Hailstorm Warnings 

The IMD has also issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning across various northern states. Isolated hailstorms are likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh on February 28. Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand may experience hailstorms on February 28, while parts of Uttar Pradesh could see hailstorms on February 28.

The rainfall forecast for key states is detailed below:

Rainfall Expected in Eastern and Southern India

Apart from the northern states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim will also experience isolated to scattered rainfall between February 28 and March 1. Heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh on March 1.

In southern India, an active easterly wave is expected to bring rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Isolated heavy rainfall is predicted for Tamil Nadu on February 28 and March 1, while Kerala could receive heavy rainfall on March 1.

New Western Disturbance to Impact Northwest India from March 2

Following the current Western Disturbance, another weather system is expected to impact Northwest India from March 2 onwards. This fresh disturbance will bring isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand from March 2 to 5. Rainfall is also likely over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on March 3.

Temperature Forecast: Drop in Northwest, Rising Trends Later

IMD predicts a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C in Northwest India after two days. However, maximum temperatures will drop by 3-5°C in the next two days, followed by a gradual rise of 4-6°C.

For western coastal regions, including Konkan & Goa, maximum temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3°C after 24 hours.

Heatwave Alert for Coastal Regions

The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for parts of the western coastal region. Isolated pockets of Konkan & Goa are likely to experience heatwave conditions on February 28, while Coastal Karnataka may face similar conditions on February 28. Additionally, hot and humid weather is expected in Konkan & Goa on February 28 and Coastal Karnataka on March 1.

Delhi NCR Weather Forecast (Feb 28 – March 2)

Residents of Delhi NCR can expect generally cloudy skies with intermittent rain showers over the next few days. Thunderstorms and light rainfall are likely on February 28, with misty mornings. Drizzle is possible on March 1, while March 2 will see partly cloudy conditions.

As the Western Disturbance moves across Northwest India, residents should prepare for heavy snowfall in the hilly regions and thunderstorms in the plains. Meanwhile, the southern and northeastern states will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Stay updated with latest advisories for timely weather alerts.