New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a mix of rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and heatwave conditions across several parts of the country on Wednesday, with the western Himalayan region expected to witness the most active weather.
According to the IMD, multiple weather systems are expected to influence conditions across northern, eastern and central India over the next few days. While hill states are likely to experience rainfall and snowfall, some parts of western India may face heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.
Meteorologists said the contrasting weather patterns highlight the diverse climatic conditions currently affecting different regions of the country.
Rain and snowfall in the western Himalayan region
The western Himalayan region is expected to experience the most significant weather activity during this period.
The IMD said scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall are likely over Jammu and Kashmir between March 10 and March 12.
After this period, the intensity of precipitation is expected to reduce, with isolated light rain or snowfall forecast between March 13 and March 16.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–50 kmph are also expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on March 10 and 11.
Weather officials said such conditions are common in the region during the transition period between winter and early spring.
Weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Neighbouring hill states are also likely to experience unsettled weather conditions.
According to the IMD, isolated to scattered light rain or snowfall is expected over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between March 10 and March 16.
Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds may occur in parts of Himachal Pradesh on March 11 and 12, and again between March 14 and March 16.
In addition, hailstorms are likely at isolated locations. Jammu and Kashmir may witness hailstorms on March 10, while Himachal Pradesh could experience similar conditions on March 11 and 12.
Authorities have advised residents and travellers in hill areas to remain cautious during thunderstorms and hailstorms, which may affect road travel and outdoor activities.
Rainfall expected in parts of north India
Several plains regions of north India may also receive rainfall over the coming days.
The IMD forecast isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh between March 14 and March 16.
West Uttar Pradesh may experience light rainfall on March 15 and March 16.
Some parts of Rajasthan are also expected to receive isolated showers, particularly on March 14 and March 15, with thunderstorms possible in certain areas.
Such rainfall events may help bring temporary relief from rising temperatures in parts of northwestern India.
Thunderstorms likely in eastern and central India
Eastern and central regions of the country are also expected to see unsettled weather during the week.
The IMD predicted scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over Odisha on March 10 and March 11.
Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh may witness similar weather conditions on March 13 and March 14.
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to experience rainfall between March 10 and March 13.
Meanwhile, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand may see rain between March 10 and March 12.
Bihar is also expected to experience thunderstorms on March 11, March 15 and March 16, according to the weather department.
Meteorologists noted that such thunderstorms are typical during the pre-monsoon period and are often accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
Heatwave conditions in western India
Despite the widespread rainfall and snowfall in some parts of the country, certain regions are likely to face heatwave conditions.
The IMD has warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Gujarat and north Konkan on March 10 and March 11.
Temperatures are also expected to rise in parts of West Rajasthan and Vidarbha during the same period.
Authorities have advised people in affected areas to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours.
Temperature trends over the coming days
Meteorologists said temperatures in the western Himalayan region are expected to decline over the next week.
Maximum temperatures in the region may fall by 5–6°C as rainfall and snowfall increase.
Parts of northwest India are also expected to experience a gradual cooling trend after the next few days due to the influence of incoming weather systems.
The combination of rainfall, snowfall and thunderstorms may help moderate temperatures in several regions.
Conclusion
The IMD’s forecast indicates a diverse range of weather conditions across India in the coming days, from snowfall in the Himalayan region to thunderstorms in eastern states and heatwaves in western India.
While rainfall and snow may bring relief from rising temperatures in some areas, authorities have urged residents to remain alert for thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds.
Weather officials will continue to monitor the evolving conditions as multiple weather systems move across the country during the week.