North India Weather Update: Delhi Fog, Himachal Snowfall, and Rajasthan Rains
Several states in north India witnessed diverse weather conditions on Saturday, including light to moderate rainfall in Rajasthan, fog in Delhi, and moderate to heavy snowfall in high-altitude tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. The national capital experienced a chilly day with temperatures dipping below normal, while air quality showed improvement.
Delhi's Fog and Temperature Trends
Delhi woke up to a thick shroud of fog on Saturday, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13 degrees Celsius, which is 3.5 degrees below the seasonal normal. This marked a significant change from Friday's minimum of 16 degrees Celsius. Despite the fog, the maximum temperature saw a notable increase, reaching 27.4 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees above normal and a 5.7-degree rise from Friday's high of 21.7 degrees Celsius. The city remained under the influence of chilly winds, continuing a trend from the previous day when Delhi recorded its coldest March day in six years.
Air Quality in Delhi
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 94 at 8 am on Saturday, falling into the 'satisfactory' category. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, the air quality is expected to remain in the 'moderate' category from Saturday through March 23. While no rainfall was recorded in Delhi on Saturday, the Meteorological Department reported strong surface winds with speeds of 20-30 kmph throughout the day. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate the possibility of very light rain on Monday, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the forenoon to afternoon hours.
Rajasthan Rainfall and Temperature Variations
Parts of eastern Rajasthan received light to moderate rainfall over the past 24 hours. Mandawa in the Jhunjhunu district was the wettest, recording 18 mm of rainfall. The maximum temperatures across most parts of the state ranged between 26 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius, which is two to eight degrees below normal. Jaisalmer recorded the highest temperature at 30.6 degrees Celsius. Under the partial influence of a weak western disturbance, light rain accompanied by thunder is likely in parts of western Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Bikaner, and the Shekhawati region, on Sunday.
Uttar Pradesh Weather Conditions
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, remained relatively cool on Sunday, with the maximum temperature touching 25.9 degrees Celsius, 7.9 degrees below normal. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius. Rainfall was reported in several districts: Ballia received 1.2 mm, while Bahraich and Sultanpur recorded 1 mm each. Traces of rainfall were also noted in the Lakhimpur Kheri district. The forecast for Lucknow and its neighboring areas predicts a partly cloudy sky becoming mainly clear, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be 29 and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Himachal Pradesh Snowfall and Rainfall
High-altitude tribal areas in Himachal Pradesh experienced moderate to heavy snowfall for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday. This was accompanied by widespread rains in some mid and lower areas, leading to a sharp fall in mercury levels. However, most parts of the state had a dry day on Saturday, with bright sunshine providing relief from the inclement weather conditions.
Snowfall and Rainfall Data in Himachal Pradesh
- Sangla received 20.5 cm of snow, followed by Kalpa with 18.2 cm, Keylong with 10.0 cm, Hansa with 7.5 cm, Gondla with 4 cm, and Kukumseri with 2.1 cm since Friday evening.
- Kandaghat was the wettest with 50 mm of rain, followed by Jatton Barrage, Manali, Shimla, Gohar, and Berthin, all receiving more than 40 mm of rain.
Overall, the weather across north India remains dynamic, with varying conditions impacting daily life and temperatures. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts from the IMD for any further changes.
