Is spring coming back? Rain, thunderstorms to lash parts of India from Sunday

India is likely to witness the return of spring as a series of western disturbances brings rain and thunderstorms. Experts predict a dip in temperatures across northern and eastern regions starting March 15.

In Short

• Western disturbances will trigger rains across northern India on Sunday.
• Devendra Tripathi predicts snowfall in the western Himalayan mountain regions.
• Temperatures will likely remain below normal throughout March and April.

A series of western disturbances is set to trigger a pattern of rain and thunderstorms across northern India, bringing much-awaited relief from the rising heat.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and weather experts, this shift marks the return of spring-like conditions with temperatures expected to dip below normal levels for the rest of March, and extend well into April.

WILL SPRING RETURN TO INDIA?

Devendra Tripathi, the founder of Mausam Tak and a prominent weather vlogger for Kisan Tak, has highlighted a significant change in the weather pattern starting Sunday, March 15.

The weather expert said that on Sunday, there is a possibility of rain and snowfall in the mountainous states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This activity is expected to extend to the plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and several districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The IMD has issued alerts for isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, along with potential hailstorms over the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains on March 15 and 16.

Independent weather expert Navdeep Dahiya noted that wind discontinuity will also lead to pre-monsoon rains in southern and eastern India. This extended wet pattern suggests that India might avoid a severe heatwave until at least April 15 to 20.

HOW WILL RAINFALL AFFECT DIFFERENT REGIONS?

Devendra Tripathi explained that while northern India prepares for showers, moisture from the Bay of Bengal will cause cloudiness and light rain in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.

In eastern India, the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal are likely to witness rainfall, while the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya may experience heavy downpours.

He mentioned that there has been a slight drop in temperature, and there could be relief from the heat in some places like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Despite the relief, Devendra Tripathi warned about the challenges for farmers, noting that pre-monsoon rain accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds poses a risk to standing crops.

As per the IMD, a fresh western disturbance is expected to follow around March 18, further extending this cooling trend across the country.

- Ends