With the beginning of March, temperatures have started rising sharply across several parts of the country. In many states, the mercury has climbed well above normal levels, increasing the risk of heat wave conditions. At the same time, weather patterns in the Himalayan region are expected to change due to an active western disturbance. The meteorological department has indicated the possibility of rain, snowfall, and strong winds in the coming days.
According to the India Meteorological Department, temperatures in many regions are currently running above the seasonal average, leading to heat wave-like conditions in some areas. On March 10, parts of Himachal Pradesh may experience heat wave or even severe heat wave conditions. In addition, the risk of heat wave is expected to continue in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Vidarbha region until March 11.
Over the past 24 hours, several areas recorded significantly high temperatures. In regions such as Marathwada, western Rajasthan, and Vidarbha, maximum temperatures ranged between 38°C and 41°C. The highest temperature was recorded in Akola in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, where the mercury crossed 40°C. Meanwhile, states including Haryana, Delhi Weather, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir recorded temperatures more than 5°C above normal.
A new western disturbance becoming active over the western Himalayan region is likely to bring changes in weather between March 10 and March 12. During this period, several areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh may witness rain and snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms. The weather department has also warned that some parts of Jammu & Kashmir could experience heavy rainfall or snowfall on March 10 and 11.
Weather activity is also expected in parts of eastern India. States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim may receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms between March 9 and March 11.
Similarly, isolated areas of Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal could experience light to moderate rainfall. In northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely between March 10 and March 14.
Delhi and nearby areas are also likely to experience warmer conditions over the next few days. On March 10, the sky in Delhi may remain partly cloudy. The maximum temperature is expected to range between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum temperature may remain between 18°C and 20°C.
Temperatures could rise further on March 11, while partly cloudy conditions may continue on March 12 as well. According to the weather department, residents of Delhi may experience warmer-than-normal conditions over the next few days.
Temperature Trends across Different Regions:
In the plains of northwest India including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat temperatures are expected to remain 4°C to 6°C above normal over the next three days. After that, a gradual drop of about 2°C to 3°C may occur.
Central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, temperatures are also expected to remain relatively high for the next few days. Meanwhile, in northeastern India, temperatures are likely to remain mostly stable for the next four days before witnessing a slight decline.
Advisory for Farmers and Livestock Owners:
Rising temperatures can also affect agricultural crops. Higher heat levels may lead to faster moisture loss in the soil and cause crops to mature earlier than usual. Farmers growing rabi crops such as wheat, gram, and mustard are advised to provide light and timely irrigation to maintain adequate soil moisture. Agricultural experts warn that excessive heat during the grain-filling stage of wheat can shorten the duration of kernel development, which may ultimately affect crop yields.
FAQs
1. Why is the heat wave risk increasing in March?
Temperatures are rising above normal levels due to early seasonal warming, which is increasing the chances of heat wave conditions in several states.
2. Which states may experience heat wave conditions?
States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra may experience heat wave conditions until March 11.
3. What is a western disturbance?
A western disturbance is a weather system originating from the Mediterranean region that brings rainfall, snowfall, and storms to northern India.
4. Which regions may receive rainfall in the coming days?
Parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and northeastern states may receive rainfall and thunderstorms.
5. How can rising temperatures affect crops?
Higher temperatures can reduce soil moisture and shorten crop growth stages, especially in wheat, which may lead to lower yields.
