Northwest India Experiences Oppressive Heat

Northwest India is reeling under extreme heat even as temperatures climb significantly above normal in Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi. The heat is proving to be even more unbearable as the mercury levels are juxtaposed to the cool windy weather just days ago. Delhi recorded 38 degrees Celsius at Palam and 36 at degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on March 24 that were 7 and 5 degrees Celsius above normal respectively.

Temperatures are also in the range of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal in many places in Rajasthan and Punjab. The oppressive heat is also being felt in pockets of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Shimla was sweltering at a high of 24 degrees Celsius on March 24 which is 8 degrees above normal.
The sudden turn of fortunes in weather can be attributed to the approach of a fresh Western Disturbance. The north-westerly cool winds emanating from the Himalayan region are cut off by an air circulation associated with the Western Disturbance. Hot south-easterly winds are now reigning the region which are to blame for the higher temperatures. But this regime might be short lived.

Isolated thundery weather across northwest India are expected to bulldoze the current towering temperatures. Squally weather along with thunderstorms was expected on March 25 and 26 in isolated areas. Hail might be experienced in some places as well.

The mercury levels are expected to collapse by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius under the impact of the thundery weather and rebound to their averages for the region.

The much anticipated India versus Australia World Cup T20 match to be held at Mohali on March 27 may be spared the vagaries of weather.

The thundery activity is likely to shift eastwards to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar by Sunday, March 27. These places might witness isolated thundery weather on March 27 and 28.