Key Weather Highlights
- Mumbai Heatwave: The city recorded 40°C on Tuesday, the highest early-March temperature since 2021, prompting an “Orange Alert” from the IMD.
- Delhi’s 50-Year Record: Temperatures in the capital reached 35.7°C on March 7, marking the hottest first week of March in five decades.
- Himalayan Respite: A fresh Western Disturbance is bringing moderate to heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh through March 12.
- Eastern Thunderstorms: Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand on March 11, providing relief from rising mercury.
- Agricultural Advisory: Farmers in hilly regions have been advised to suspend operations due to predicted hailstorms and heavy precipitation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe “Orange Alert” for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar as an intense heatwave sweeps through the Konkan region. On Tuesday, the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum of 40°C, a staggering 7.6°C above the seasonal average. In the western suburbs like Ram Mandir and Vikhroli, the mercury even breached the 42°C mark. This early-season surge is attributed to an anticyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea, which has delayed the cooling sea breeze and allowed hot easterly winds to dominate.
Delhi is facing a similar “heat trap” scenario. The lack of significant rainfall in February and the absence of active Western Disturbances have pushed temperatures to historic levels. The 35.7°C recorded at the Safdarjung base station is significantly higher than the previous 1999 record of 34.8°C, signalling an abrupt transition from winter to a harsh summer.
Snowfall and Rain in the Highlands
In sharp contrast to the scorching plains, the mountains are witnessing a shift in weather patterns. Between March 10 and 12, light to moderate snowfall and rain have been reported across the higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Key passes, including the Bandipora-Gurez road, have been closed following fresh snow accumulation at Razdan Top.
This wet spell is expected to bring a 4-6°C drop in temperature for the hills, ending a prolonged dry spell that saw the region face a 100% rainfall deficit earlier this month. However, the IMD has warned of “low danger” avalanches in districts like Bandipora and hailstorms in parts of Himachal Pradesh through Wednesday.
Outlook for Eastern and Central Regions
The reach of the current weather system extends to Eastern India, where moisture-laden winds are likely to trigger thunderstorms and lightning. On March 11, scattered rain is expected across Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions may persist in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Vidarbha region before a gradual cooling trend begins later this week.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid outdoor activities between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM in heat-affected zones, maintain high hydration levels, and stay updated on local weather advisories as the unpredictable “March Madness” continues.
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