Unsettled Weather Ahead: IMD Issues Comprehensive Weather Forecast For India

Residents across India are bracing for a spell of varied weather conditions as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) releases its latest forecast. Today's weather in the capital city of Delhi offers a pleasant respite with morning clouds making way for afternoon sunshine, highs peaking at 30°C, and lows expected to dip to a comfortable 17°C. However, the tranquility might not last long as significant changes loom on the horizon.

Impending Western Disturbance to Affect North India

A recent weather development is on the cards, courtesy of the Western Disturbance. The IMD details that a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies extends along Longitude 56°E to the north of Latitude 30°N. A fresh Western Disturbance is on the forecast to impact Northwest India starting March 12, 2024, bringing a spate of weather activities across the region.

Rainfall and Snowfall Predictions

The Northern parts of the country, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are expected to witness isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall and snowfall from March 10 to 12. The precipitation is predicted to become fairly widespread to widespread on March 13, 2024, with a reduction in distribution and intensity thereafter. These areas are also likely to experience isolated thunderstorms and lightning, particularly on March 13 and 14.

Thunderstorms and Rainfall across the Plains

The plains are not left untouched by the impending weather systems. Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall is anticipated over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on March 13. Accompanied by isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph.

India's Weather Outlook

Further, the forecast extends beyond the northern territories. Isolated light rainfall is on the cards for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from March 10 to14, Odisha on March 10 and again from 14-16, and across Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh on March 16. Gangetic West Bengal is expected to witness isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning from March 14 to 16.

The Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, are likely to see isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall/snowfall over the next 7 days. Assam, Meghalaya, and the other states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura might experience isolated light rainfall on March 13 and 14.

Southern Peninsula Weather Update

In the Southern Peninsula, Kerala and Mahe are expected to receive isolated light/moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning on March 10 and 11, while North Coastal Andhra Pradesh might witness similar conditions on March 10. Hot and humid weather conditions are set to prevail over Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next three days, and in Kerala and Mahe for the next two days.