North India is currently grappling with significant weather disturbances as February 28, 2025, ushers in heavy snowfall and rainfall across multiple states.
Continuous snowfall and rain have disrupted day-to-day operations particularly in the hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Thursday saw heavy snowfall reported at higher altitudes and persistent rainfall at lower elevations. This drastic shift has caused temperatures to plummet by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. Remarkably, this weather pattern is expected to linger for three to four more days, signaling relief for regions recovering from dry spells earlier this year.
Weather updates from Jammu and Kashmir highlight severe conditions, where heavy snowfall has significantly disrupted transportation. Srinagar city received its fair share of snowfall late Thursday evening, and major highways like Jammu-Srinagar, Jammu-Poonch, and Srinagar-Leh have faced disruptions due to heavy snowfall and falling rocks. Authorities noted the Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir to Jammu via Poonch, remains closed, with the threat compounded by avalanche risks. A Level-4 avalanche red alert has been issued for Kargil district, valid until February 28, by the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE).
Moving to Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall has fallen across higher areas, with the Atal Tunnel reporting three feet of snow. Other regions such as Narkanda, Manali, and Kufri have experienced around five inches of fresh snowfall. Consequently, avalanches have been reported, particularly affecting Lahaul, Manali, and Kinnaur regions. Residents are advised to stay indoors as the risk of avalanches increases. Roads have been closed across Lahaul, impacting accessibility, including cuts from the Manali-Kelang road. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall and rain across the region.
Uttarakhand is facing its share of weather challenges, with thick cloud cover extending from the Himalayas to the plains, leading to intense cold conditions. Snowfall levels have increased, with Mussoorie recording 12 mm of rainfall. Temperatures have declined sharply, especially noted in Dehradun, which recorded drops of around 10 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department predicts continued cloudy conditions and has issued another orange alert for heavy snowfall and rain across six districts, affecting the daily lives of residents and pilgrims.
The presence of a strong Western Disturbance is causing this severe weather pattern across Northern India. The IMD has indicated the system will bring widespread light to moderate rainfall, alongside heavy snowfall. Gusty winds peaking at 50 kmph are expected over Jammu and Kashmir. Simultaneously, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are also predicted to experience varying levels of rainfall and isolated hailstorms.
On Thursday, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and occasional lightning are anticipated, creating potentially dangerous conditions. Specific forecasts suggest heavy snowfall across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with additional rainfall for Punjab and Haryana.
Interestingly, as the conditions shift, other regions within India, like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, also face fluctuated weather patterns. Rainfall is forecast for these areas from February 28 through March 1. Heavy rainfall is anticipated over Arunachal Pradesh, with storms and thunderstorms forecasted.
Looking to the future, the IMD has notified another Western Disturbance is expected to impact Northwest India starting March 2. Rainfall and snowfall are likely as this new system crosses the region, adding to the persistent cold temperatures.
The temperature forecast suggests maximum and minimum temperatures will see drops across Northwest India by 2-4°C after the current disturbances, particularly affecting day-to-day activities. Areas like the coastal region of Western Maharashtra are also projected to experience humidity and potential heatwave conditions, contrasting sharply with the chilly climate prevailing up north.
Overall, the coming days will require residents to stay informed and prepare for continuing severe weather as forecasts remain under close observation. Communities are reminded to remain vigilant and heed alerts issued by weather agencies, as winter and its impacts continue to grip Northern India. Anyone traveling should check weather conditions regularly to avoid potential hazards from heavy snowfall and rain.