Heavy rains and storms are set to strike northern and eastern India as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues warnings for adverse weather conditions starting February 28 through March 1, 2025. A significant shift is underway across regions including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi-NCR, with expectations of disrupted daily life due to expected thunderstorms and possible hail.
The IMD has flagged concerns about extensive rainfall. Districts such as Karnal, Yamunanagar, Jind, Panipat, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Panchkula are highlighted for possible downpours. According to Punjab Kesari, "पानीपत में सुबह से हल्की बारिश जारी है।" light rain has begun early today, and experts predict it could last until March 1.
This drop in temperature has been remarkable, with recorded highs reducing significantly by about 7.8 degrees compared to normal, affecting daily life across these regions. The maximum temperature noted was 26.0 degrees Celsius, substantially lower than the seasonal averages, with Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Rohtak experiencing drops to below 20 degrees. Given these signals, farmers have been cautioned by agricultural scientists against watering wheat crops due to concerns over damage which may arise from hailstorms and swift winds.
Moving west to Uttar Pradesh, the weather is also warming up for significant transitions. The IMD forecasts temperature ranges dropping to as low as 14.5 degrees and peaking at 30 degrees, emphasizing changing climate patterns within the state. The effects are anticipated to be felt especially in the cities of Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Hapur. Notably, forecasters have communicated: "मौसम विभाग के अनुसार शुक्रवार को पूर्वी और पश्चिमी उत्तर प्रदेश के कुछ जिलों में बारिश हो सकती है।", indicating probable rainfall throughout today.
The prediction of thunderstorms is also being backed by varying wind speeds between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, which could also account for localized disturbances such as hail and possible lightning strikes, leading to additional alerts for safety across various towns. The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious as the conditions evolve rapidly.
On the other hand, Bihar is not escaping the upcoming weather turmoil. The IMD has informed through reports on February 28 and March 1, expecting rain across 12 districts including Bettiah, Motihari, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, and Madhubani. High winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h are likely to occur, leading to necessary safety precautions. This coincides with forecasts predicting changes to minimum and maximum temperatures, with the latter likely to stabilize around 34 degrees Celsius during the first March week.
Adding depth to the situation, there are concerns about elevated temperatures through February across the region. The records indicated minimum temperatures reached 19.7 degrees this February compared to the averages over the last five years, consistently breaking norms. According to Prabhat Khabar, "आइएमडी ने बिहार को लेकर जारी किये पूर्वानुमान में बताया कि 28 फरवरी और 1 मार्च को प्रदेश के 12 जिलों में बारिश के आसार हैं." emphasizing the importance of this forecast as it pertains to local agriculture and daily activities.
Lastly, Delhi-NCR is bracing itself for significant weather changes. Reports suggest likely thunderstorms amid expected rainfall throughout the area. The IMD has categorized this storm risk as serious with warnings of potential heavy disturbances arriving via strong winds and rain. Highlighting the situation, it was noted by Aaj Tak, "दिल्ली-एनसीआर में मौसम में तब्दीली आने से आंधी के साथ बारिश होने की संभावना है।" The minimum temperature was recorded recently at 19.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest for February nights since 1951, indicating the severity of the recent weather trends.
Overall, the heavy rains and strong winds anticipated across these northern and eastern states of India signify detrimental changes to daily activities and agriculture. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and urging residents to take precautions. The coming days will be pivotal, as farmers and communities adapt to these changing weather patterns.