The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about severe heatwave conditions persisting across Odisha, with similar conditions expected in Saurashtra and Kutch. Other regions, including Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and north Telangana, are also likely to experience intense heat.
Maximum temperatures have risen significantly in several states, with Odisha’s Jharsuguda recording a high of 41.8°C. While some parts of northwest India may see a slight drop in temperatures, a gradual increase is expected in the coming days.
Heatwave Intensifies Across Eastern and Western India
|
Region |
Heatwave Duration |
|
Odisha |
March 16-18 |
|
Saurashtra & Kutch |
March 16-17 |
|
Vidarbha |
March 16 |
|
Chhattisgarh |
March 16 |
|
Jharkhand |
March 16 |
|
Gangetic West Bengal |
March 16-17 |
|
North Telangana |
March 16 |
Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall Predicted in Northern and Northeastern India
IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds over Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on March 16. Northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, is also set to experience heavy rainfall and snowfall in some areas over the next four to five days.
The department has highlighted possible impacts such as localized flooding, disruptions in traffic, and minor damage to standing crops and kutcha houses due to strong winds.
Rainfall & Thunderstorm Forecast:
|
Region |
Expected Weather Conditions |
Dates |
|
Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh |
Heavy Rainfall/Snowfall |
- |
|
Uttarakhand |
Heavy Rainfall/Snowfall |
March 16 |
|
Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh |
Thunderstorms with hail |
- |
|
Arunachal Pradesh |
Heavy Rainfall & Snowfall |
March 16-19 |
|
Assam & Meghalaya |
Heavy Rainfall |
March 17 |
Cyclonic Circulations Affecting Weather Patterns
The weather disturbances are caused by a Western Disturbance affecting northern Pakistan and nearby regions of Jammu, as well as by a cyclonic circulation over northeastern Rajasthan. Another cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam is contributing to widespread rain and thunderstorms in northeastern states.
These weather systems will bring significant rainfall and snowfall to the Western Himalayan region on March 16, with reduced intensity thereafter. Strong surface winds are expected in Delhi/NCR during this period, reaching speeds of 25-35 kmph.
Delhi Weather Forecast
Delhi is expected to experience fluctuating weather conditions between March 16 and 18. IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies with possibilities of very light rain or drizzle. Strong surface winds are likely, with speeds ranging from 25 to 35 kmph. The temperature will remain within the following range:
|
Date |
Maximum Temperature (°C) |
Minimum Temperature (°C) |
Weather Condition |
|
March 16 |
31-33 |
16-18 |
Mist in the morning, light rain possible |
|
March 17 |
30-32 |
16-18 |
Mainly clear sky, strong winds |
|
March 18 |
31-33 |
16-17 |
Mist in the morning, strong winds |
Temperature Trends and Forecast
The IMD predicts a gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C over northwest India in the next two to three days, followed by a rise of 2-4°C. East India will see a slight temperature increase in the next two days, while Central India will witness a minor drop in temperatures in the coming days.
|
Region |
Temperature Change |
|
Northwest India |
Fall by 2-3°C next 2-3 days, then rise by 2-4°C |
|
East India |
Rise by 2°C next 2 days |
|
Central India |
No significant change for 24 hours, then fall by 2-3°C |
Authorities have advised people in heatwave-affected areas to stay indoors during peak heat hours, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light-colored, loose clothing. Farmers in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana have been advised to use hail nets to protect their crops from hailstorms, while those in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Telangana should provide frequent irrigation to crops to counteract heatwave effects.
