India is experiencing a sharp split in the prevailing weather. While a new western disturbance has brought rainfall and snowfall to the northern areas of Kashmir and Ladakh, a premature heat wave has affected states in the west and center of India. The mercury has already crossed 42 degrees Celsius in those areas.
Northern extremes: Snowfall/rainfall
The Kashmir Valley and Ladakh are experiencing a second consecutive day of rainfall after a winter that saw a 54% rainfall deficit.
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Snowfall in Ladakh: There has been significant snowfall in Zojila, Drass, and Panikhar-Zanskar areas of Ladakh.
Rainfall in Kashmir: The temperature has dropped significantly after rainfall in Srinagar (12.5 degrees Celsius) and Kupwara (6.4 mm rainfall). Scattered rainfall has also been reported from Baramulla and Pahalgam.
Outlook: Until March 19, unpredictable weather is predicted. A brief dry spell is expected from March 13 to 14.
Western surge: Orange alert issued for Gujarat
As the north gets a respite from the cold, the ‘spring’ season is quickly disappearing from western India. A severe heatwave has gripped the region, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue an orange alert for Gujarat.
Record highs: The district of Nandurbar in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature in the country, a scorching 42.4°C.
Widespread heat: The temperature in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh was recorded at 42°C.
Duration: The heatwave in Gujarat is likely to continue at least until March 13.
Regional weather update: Rain relief for central & northeast India
Some respite is on the horizon for some regions, with new weather systems developing:
Northwest India: Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are likely to experience light rain and thundershowers from March 14-16.
Northeast India: Fairly widespread rain with lightning is forecast for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh until March 17.
South India: The region is experiencing stable weather. Bengaluru is enjoying clear skies with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 32°C. Hyderabad and Chennai are experiencing warm weather with partly cloudy skies.
