India is bracing for significant weather changes as it heads toward March 1, 2025, with extensive rain and possible hailstorms predicted across several states. Meteorologists are issuing warnings for various regions, especially Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR, where the impact of inclement weather could affect daily life and agricultural activity.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), March 1 marks the continuation of changes brought on by the western disturbances affecting many northern states. Residents of Delhi, Haryana, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh can expect gusty winds and sporadic rainfall, making this period particularly disruptive for farmers and daily commuters alike.
The IMD alerts indicate heavy rainfall, along with hail, especially for northern districts of Haryana such as Yamuunanagar, Kurukshetra, and Ambala, where extensive rainfall is expected. A red alert has been issued for 12 districts across the state, including Jhajjar and Rohtak. 'It is imperative for farmers to refrain from irrigational practices until the storm passes to avoid severe damage to crops,' said Dr. O.P. Bishnoi, senior wheat expert at the Haryana Agricultural University.
On February 29, parts of Haryana witnessed sudden rainfalls and strong winds, coinciding with the arrival of the western disturbances. Areas like Hisar, Ambala, and Bhivani reported significant weather activity, prompting local agricultural experts to caution against the irrigation of wheat crops.
The weather conditions have led to considerable temperature drops across Punjab and Haryana. For example, Chandigarh recorded 10.9 mm of rain recently, which resulted in drops of about three degrees Celsius. Similar trends have been noted across various towns, including Hisar and Rohtak.
"Tomorrow, we can expect turbulent weather with gusts ranging from 30 to 40 km/h along with rain and potential hail. The temperature will see notable fluctuations following this weather front," said the IMD spokesperson.
Adding complexity to the weather scenario, several districts from Himachal Pradesh and hilly terrains are rapidly becoming unstable due to persistent snowfall. Reports suggest the severe cold weather is expected to last through early March, disrupting normal activities and raising safety concerns across affected regions. The state authorities have issued orange alerts indicating the potential for heavy snowfall—a situation leading to road closures and hazardous travel conditions.
Dehradun and the adjoining areas are on high alert due to hazardous weather forecasts, including thunder showers and heavy winds. At present, rescue operations are underway for around fifty workers feared trapped under debris from landslides triggered by preceding weather conditions.
On the eastern front, states like Bihar are also gearing up for erratic weather with warnings of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected to complicate the local harvest season. With temperatures apt to drop, farmers are advised to protect their standing crops from expected storms.
People across northern states are advised to stay vigilant, as conditions may abruptly change with thunderstorms and rainfall likely to strike at unpredictable times. The IMD has also noted the chances of electric activity coinciding with these storms, prompting warnings for both residents and travelers.
Meanwhile, the forecast hints at warmer conditions returning soon post the first of March; hence, citizens are reminded of balancing their clothing between the cold spells and the upcoming warmth.
To summarize, on March 1, 2025, Haryana and Northern India will witness unexpected and severe weather, with forecasts calling for heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and temperature fluctuations. Residents are urged to remain alert for weather advisories and prepare accordingly.