Heavy Rain Alert: Thunderstorms and Widespread Rain Likely Till February 18; Alerts Issued for Several States
National Desk: Weather conditions across North India are set to change significantly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for rain and thunderstorms in several states till February 18. Due to the impact of a western disturbance, heavy rainfall and snowfall are likely in parts of Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
In Madhya Pradesh, thunderstorm activity is expected on February 18 and 19. With a sudden rise in temperatures across most parts of the country, the chill will largely be limited to morning and evening hours. According to the IMD, sharp weather fluctuations are likely in North India over the next few days.
Nationwide Weather Update
As per the department, between February 17 and 19, rainfall or snowfall is likely in parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The Nicobar Islands may witness thunderstorms and lightning on February 17.
Meanwhile, on February 17 and 18, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are expected to experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.
Impact of Western Disturbance
Under the influence of the western disturbance, weather conditions in the southern districts of western Uttar Pradesh are expected to change on February 17 and 18. Temperatures may rise by up to 2°C over the next two to three days, with light rain or drizzle likely in some districts.
State-wise Forecast
Uttarakhand:
Rain is likely on February 17 and 18 in districts including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar.
Himachal Pradesh:
Rainfall is expected in higher-altitude areas on February 17 and 18. The IMD has advised caution in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Hamirpur, and Kullu.
Jammu & Kashmir:
Rain is likely on February 16 and 17 in Srinagar, Jammu, Kulgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Anantnag.
Rajasthan:
Weather will remain largely normal, but northern districts such as Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Churu may receive light rain and experience strong winds on February 17 and 18.
Madhya Pradesh:
Thunderstorms with rainfall are expected on February 18 and 19 in Seoni, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, and Hoshangabad districts. Weather is likely to remain normal on February 17.
Bihar:
The weather will remain mostly normal. However, parts of Mithilanchal and Seemanchal may experience moderate fog, along with a lingering chill during morning and evening hours.
