Key Highlights
- Yellow Alert: IMD warns of thunderstorms and lightning across Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana.
- Wind Activity: Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h are expected in the capital region.
- Hilly Region Snowfall: Light to moderate snow and rain are forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Temperature Drop: A marginal decline in maximum temperatures is anticipated, providing relief from recent heat.
- Extended Spell: A fresh Western Disturbance will likely intensify rain and storm activity on March 29 and 30.
The weather pattern across Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), and broader North India has taken a dramatic turn as an active Western Disturbance settles over the region. Following a bout of thunderstorms on March 26, the India Meteorological Department has confirmed that the atmospheric instability will persist today, March 27, bringing a mix of light rain, lightning, and strong surface winds.
Impact of the Western Disturbance
Meteorologists attribute this erratic March weather to a sequence of Western Disturbances originating from the Mediterranean region. These systems are moving at lower altitudes than typical for this season, leading to unseasonal precipitation in the plains and significant snowfall in the Western Himalayan region. For Delhi, this has resulted in a “Moderate” Air Quality Index (AQI) of approximately 145, as the rain helps settle dust and pollutants.
Regional Forecast for March 27
- Delhi-NCR: The capital is expected to remain under dense cloud cover with intermittent drizzles. Thunderstorms are most likely to hit during the afternoon and evening hours, accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 km/h.
- Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan: Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan are on alert for lightning and patchy rainfall. Western Rajasthan experienced similar conditions over the last 24 hours, which are expected to taper off slightly before the next system arrives.
- Hilly States: A high-intensity alert remains for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. These areas face a combination of light to moderate snowfall and rain, which may cause temporary travel disruptions on high-altitude passes.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
While March 28 may see a brief lull in activity with partly cloudy skies, the respite will be short-lived. A new, more potent Western Disturbance is scheduled to impact Northwest India starting the night of March 28. This will trigger a secondary spell of more widespread rain and thunderstorms across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on March 29 and 30.
During this upcoming peak, wind speeds could reach 50 kilometers per hour in isolated pockets. Residents are advised to stay updated on IMD notifications and take necessary precautions against lightning and falling branches during peak storm hours.
