India’s weather is turning dynamic as Holi celebrations kick off, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a mix of conditions across regions on March 5. While hilly areas brace for fresh snowfall and rain, the plains, especially Delhi and its NCR belt, will experience rising temperatures under piercing sunshine.
Delhi’s mercury is climbing rapidly this early March, with daytime highs expected to intensify. The capital could see bright sunlight dominating afternoons, making it feel uncomfortably warm. However, relief is on the horizon in the form of gusty winds blowing at 10-15 kmph during peak hours. These breezes will help disperse pollutants, potentially slashing the Air Quality Index (AQI) significantly. Mornings and evenings might still carry a chill, but the day promises heat.
In Uttar Pradesh, heatwaves are intensifying across key districts like Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly, Agra, Mathura, Gorakhpur, and Banda, where maximums have crossed 30°C. Lucknow specifically eyes a high of 32°C and a low of 17°C on Thursday, leaving residents seeking shade.
Bihar mirrors this trend, with clear skies persisting. Banka topped charts at 33.6°C in the last 24 hours, while Patna and Gaya feel the burn. IMD predicts a 1-4°C rise over the next 48 hours, pushing temperatures beyond 36°C within a week.
Jharkhand presents a split scene: southern districts like East and West Singhbhum hover around 17°C minimums, but northeastern areas such as Deoghar, Godda, and Dumka have cooled from 35°C to 32°C, offering much-needed respite.
Punjab and Haryana will enjoy mild weather with light morning chill giving way to sunny days and slight temperature upticks, no rain in sight. Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh might see partial cloud cover with possible light showers. Gujarat’s Ahmedabad and Surat gear up for hotter days, as do Maharashtra hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
South India bears the brunt, with Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh recording 32-37°C. Kerala authorities urge avoiding midday outings and staying hydrated.
Hilly regions aren’t spared change. Himachal Pradesh activates a fresh Western Disturbance from March 7, impacting high areas like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kullu with snow and rain through the following days. Uttarakhand districts could see rain today.