Spring chill returns as rain, thunderstorms sweep parts of India

A spell of rain and thunderstorms across several parts of India has brought relief from the early rise in temperatures, with weather experts predicting the return of spring-like conditions in many regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a series of western disturbances has triggered widespread weather activity across northern India, bringing showers, gusty winds and thunderstorms. The development is expected to push temperatures below normal levels across northern and eastern parts of the country beginning March 15 and continuing through much of March, possibly extending into April.

Rain and snowfall likely in northern states

Weather expert Devendra Tripathi, founder of Mausam Tak and a prominent weather commentator for Kisan Tak, said a notable shift in weather patterns is expected from March 15.

He said rain and snowfall are likely in the Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The system is also expected to influence the plains, bringing showers to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and several districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

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

Independent weather analyst Navdeep Dahiya said wind discontinuity could also trigger pre-monsoon showers in parts of southern and eastern India. This extended wet spell may delay the onset of intense heatwave conditions, potentially keeping extreme temperatures at bay until around April 15–20.

Rain likely in east and northeast

Tripathi added that while northern India braces for showers, moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal may cause cloudiness and light rainfall across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Eastern states including Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal are also likely to witness rainfall, while heavy downpours are forecast for parts of the northeast such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya.

A slight drop in temperatures has already been observed in several areas, and further relief from the heat is expected in regions including Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Farmers cautioned amid weather swings

Despite the respite from heat, experts warned that pre-monsoon rainfall accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds could pose risks to standing crops in several agricultural regions.

The IMD said another western disturbance is likely to approach around March 18, which may prolong the spell of cooler weather and intermittent rainfall across parts of the country.