North India scorches while Himachal shivers under fresh snow, rain
What's the story
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its latest weather forecast for March 8. The report predicts a rise in temperatures across northwest and central India over the next few days. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to witness rainfall and snowfall. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also expected in several regions, including West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad among others, on Monday.
Regional forecast
Light rainfall, snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected on March 9 and 10. There's a possibility of isolated light rainfall or snowfall during this time. The IMD predicts an increase in precipitation from March 10-12 before tapering off to isolated showers or snowfall by March 13-14.
Temperature rise
Delhi's weather forecast
Delhi is likely to see temperatures remain 5-8 degrees Celsius above normal for the next week. Daytime temperatures could hover between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius till March 11. A slight dip to around 34-35 degrees Celsius is expected by March 14 due to a western disturbance affecting the western Himalayan region from March 9 onward.
Heatwave alert
Heatwave conditions in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra
Rajasthan's west region will continue to witness heatwave conditions till March 10. North Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch are also likely to experience similar weather on March 9 and 10. Hot and humid conditions are expected along Gujarat's coast on March 9-10. Marathwada in Maharashtra will see heatwave conditions on March 10-11, while coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch will be hot and humid from March 8-11.
Weather shifts
Hot and humid conditions in Andhra Pradesh
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Rayalaseema districts will have hot and humid conditions at a few places. The Himalayan region is not likely to see any major change in maximum temperature over the western part for two days. A gradual fall by 4-5 degrees Celsius is expected during the subsequent five days.
Rainfall forecast
Northeast India to witness similar weather conditions
East India is likely to see scattered light/moderate rainfall with thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 30-50km/h from March 9-11. Northeast India will witness similar weather conditions from March 10-14. The IMD's all-India weather summary and forecast bulletin was released at 8:24pm on March 8. Detailed state-wise and region-wise weather updates can be checked in the IMD bulletin.