On February 20, 2025, India is experiencing significant weather changes across several states due to the activity of a western disturbance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for thunderstorms, rain, and hail, especially focusing on regions like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.
Early reports from the IMD indicate rain fell across various districts of Delhi as many residents were still waking up. Areas including Nehru Stadium, RK Puram, and several others experienced light rain, prompting questions about whether this marks the return of colder weather after days of warmth.
"Weather changes observed across northern states due to active western disturbances," said the IMD. These adverse weather conditions have generated concerns among farmers, particularly with reports of hailstorms damaging crops. One local farmer from Rajasthan expressed, "Farmers are worried about crop damage due to hailstorms and heavy rain," highlighting the pressing distress within the agricultural community.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan is witnessing more intense weather disruptions than Delhi, with places like Jaipur, Sikar, and Bikaner reporting heavy rain along with hail. Heavy winds accompanied the rain, with several incidents reported where tents and temporary structures were blown away. Temperature data from Wednesday indicated highs of 34.3 degrees Celsius recorded at Jalore, whereas light rain and hail have resulted in recorded rainfall up to 13 mm at Jhunjhunun.
Further complicate this weather scenario, the IMD has warned about thunderstorms possibly affecting various districts across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well, with alerts extending beyond just urban areas. Reports from the plains suggest precipitation might also reach pockets such as Yamunanagar and various areas across western Uttar Pradesh.
Shifting the focus northward, Himachal Pradesh has been under heavy clouds with cool winds following the arrival of the western disturbance. Areas like Rohtang pass experienced light snowfall. The weather department has warned of heavy rain and snowfall forecasted across the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. IMD also announced alerts for high winds particularly affecting the lower regions.
Local forecasts project the adverse weather will settle only by the morning of February 21. The potential for electricity, road, and communication interruptions has raised alarms, urging residents to heed proper advisories issued by local authorities against venturing out to higher altitudes during these weather changes.
While monitoring the conditions, it was noted, “Rain and lightning are anticipated across multiple districts today,” as cited by IMD officials during numerous press briefings outlining the day’s weather actions from early morning. Anticipations also include temperature drops by 3-4 degrees Celsius as this weather pattern progresses.
The stark reality is plain: these weather alterations highlight the destructive impact on agriculture and through various municipal planned activities, ensuring safety awareness leading to adjusted plans for local transportation and general public movement.
Looking at the country as a whole, the atmosphere brought on by the persistent presence of the western disturbance is complex, impacting multiple states with varied responses and levels of concern. Farmers are once again caught at the precarious intersection of seasonal changes, fighting to manage both immediate crop threats and longer-term resilience against erratic weather patterns.
Despite short-term forecasts showing potential clear skies post-February 21, the overall theme remains one of cautious vigilance as communities across these affected states navigate through this week of unpredictable weather. The IMD reminds all citizens to stay alert and continue monitoring local updates for safety.