Key Highlights
- Western Disturbance: A fresh weather system will become active on March 14, bringing rain and thunderstorms to 12 states.
- Temperature Drop: Plains of Northwest India expect a gradual fall in mercury by 2,4°C following the peak heat on March 12.
- Regional Impact: Heavy rain and gusty winds (30,50 kmph) predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Gujarat Heatwave: Severe heat alerts for Saurashtra and Kutch remain in effect until March 13 before abating.
- Hilly States: Hailstorms and snowfall warnings issued for Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
The month of March 2026 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in intensity, with temperatures across North and West India soaring 4,8°C above seasonal averages. In the national capital, Delhi, the mercury touched a staggering 36.8°C on March 11, marking one of the hottest early March spells in over a decade. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that relief is imminent.
A significant western disturbance is currently approaching the region, expected to alter the climatic landscape from March 14. This system, coupled with an induced cyclonic circulation, is likely to trigger the first major pre-monsoon activity of the year.
Rain Forecast for North and East India
The IMD bulletin indicates that a wide corridor of Northwest India will experience light to moderate rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds between March 14 and 16.
- Punjab & Haryana: Thunderstorms and winds reaching 50 kmph are expected during the peak of the system.
- Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: While East UP recently battled dense fog with visibility dropping below 50 meters, the state is now preparing for light rain on March 15 and 16. Neighboring Bihar will see a similar dip in temperature as clouds move eastward.
- Rajasthan: After enduring heatwave conditions in Western districts, the state will see scattered showers and cooling winds by the weekend.
Heatwave Persistence and Northeast Activity
While the north prepares for rain, Western India remains under a temporary grip of severe weather. A “Red Alert” for heatwaves has been issued for Gujarat, particularly the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, where temperatures reached 42°C in cities like Rajkot. This intense heat is expected to persist through March 13 before the western disturbance begins to draw cooler air into the region.
Simultaneously, Northeast India is experiencing monsoon-like conditions. Heavy rainfall warnings are active for Arunachal Pradesh from March 12 to 14, while Assam and Meghalaya are expected to see significant downpours between March 13 and 15.
City Specific Outlook
In Delhi, the peak heat of 36,37°C recorded on March 12 will begin to ease as cloud cover increases by the evening of March 14. Similar trends are anticipated in Lucknow and Bhopal, where high humidity and clear skies will give way to overcast conditions. In the Himalayan belt, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand remain on alert for hailstorms, which could impact local agriculture but will significantly cool the downstream plains.
