The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a diverse weather forecast for different parts of the country, with Delhi experiencing light rainfall, Mumbai battling heatwave conditions, and northern states bracing for snowfall.
Drizzle and Thunderstorms in Delhi
Residents of Delhi woke up to a drizzle on Thursday morning, marking a significant weather shift. The minimum temperature was recorded at 19.5 degrees Celsius, which is 4.1 degrees above the seasonal average and the highest February minimum temperature since 1951. IMD has predicted thunderstorms with rain throughout the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels were recorded at 72% in the morning.
Despite the rain, air quality remains a concern, with Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 260, classified as ‘poor,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall in Northern States
IMD has forecast heavy rainfall and snowfall at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand until Friday. Additionally, very heavy snowfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh on February 27 and 28.
Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is expected over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi till Saturday. Isolated light to moderate showers and thunderstorms may also affect Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Thursday.
Mumbai Faces Intense Heatwave
Mumbai continues to reel under a heatwave, with temperatures soaring beyond normal levels. The Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 5.7 degrees above the seasonal average. This follows Tuesday’s high of 38.7 degrees Celsius, the city’s hottest February day since 2017.
IMD has forecast hot and humid conditions for Mumbai and its suburbs, with daytime temperatures likely to remain around 37 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to settle around 21 degrees Celsius.
Hot and Humid Conditions in Other Regions
Further south, Gujarat is expected to experience hot and humid weather on February 27. Similarly, the Konkan region, Goa, and Coastal Karnataka will continue to witness warm conditions until Friday.
With extreme weather conditions varying across the country, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions based on regional forecasts.
