The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a detailed weather forecast for northern India, predicting significant atmospheric activity coinciding with a major national event. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget for 2026-27 today, Delhi is expected to experience light rainfall, adding a meteorological dimension to the budget proceedings.
Delhi's Weather Outlook on Budget Day
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Delhi is likely to witness a generally cloudy sky throughout Sunday. The forecast indicates a spell of very light to light rain, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. This weather activity is expected to occur from early morning to forenoon, potentially impacting the budget day atmosphere.
The weather agency has also predicted another episode of very light to light rain during the afternoon to evening hours. Additionally, shallow to moderate fog conditions are anticipated during the morning, with this fog likely to persist for the next five days. Temperature-wise, Delhi can expect maximum temperatures ranging between 17°C to 19°C and minimum temperatures from 10°C to 12°C.
Temperature Anomalies and Trends
IMD data reveals that the maximum temperature over Delhi is projected to be above normal, with deviations of 3.1°C to 5.0°C throughout the day. Conversely, the minimum temperature is expected to be below normal, falling within a range of -3.1°C to 5.0°C. Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts a rise in minimum temperatures by 3-5°C over the next three days, followed by a subsequent fall of 3-4°C thereafter.
Western Disturbance Impact on Northwestern States
The weather agency has issued an alert for a fresh western disturbance that is likely to affect Northwestern states beginning February 2. This atmospheric system is expected to bring varied weather patterns across the region, with significant implications for several states.
Snowfall and Rainfall Predictions
For Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh, the IMD has forecast scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall on February 1. These precipitation events are likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph.
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand are expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall on the same day. Meanwhile, East Rajasthan may experience thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds on Sunday.
Regional Weather Variations
The weather forecast extends to other regions as well. Isolated light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is predicted over Madhya Pradesh on February 1 and 2, and over Chhattisgarh on February 2. Rajasthan is likely to see isolated light rainfall with thunderstorm lightning until February 3.
Dense Fog Conditions Across Multiple States
The IMD has issued a dense fog alert for several regions until February 1. Isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar, and East Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience dense fog conditions during this period.
Additionally, dense fog has been predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh specifically is expected to experience a cold day on February 1, adding to the challenging weather conditions across northern India.
This comprehensive weather forecast comes at a crucial time when Delhi prepares for the Union Budget presentation, while Northwestern states brace for significant weather changes due to the approaching western disturbance. Residents and authorities are advised to stay updated with the latest weather advisories and take necessary precautions accordingly.
