As February draws to a close, India is witnessing a dramatic shift in its weather patterns, marked by a historic winter rainfall deficit and a premature surge in temperatures. While the northern mountains await a subtle touch of snow, the vast plains of the country are already feeling the heat, with the mercury climbing several notches above what is typical for this time of year.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this transition from a dry winter to an early summer is being driven by a complex interplay of wind systems, bringing both dry heat to the north and rising humidity to the coastal south.
WILL THE HEAT CONTINUE TO RISE?
The mercury is set to climb further as dry north-westerly winds sweep across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Devendra Tripathi, the founder of Mausam Tak and a weather vlogger for Kisan Tak, noted that the atmosphere is clearing, allowing sunlight to reach its full potential.
Consequently, day temperatures are increasing across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Devendra explained that while the days are getting warmer, the weather at night and in the morning will remain pleasant and cool for now.
The IMD has forecast a gradual rise of two to four degrees Celsius over Northwest India during the coming week, with current maximums already three to five degrees Celsius above the normal range.
IS RAIN EXPECTED IN THE HILLS?
A feeble Western Disturbance is currently influencing the weather in North India.
“There is a western disturbance in North India, due to which there is a chance of clouding in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand by tomorrow afternoon,” Devendra said.
He further said that while there is a slight chance of activity, isolated places may experience light rainfall or snowfall.
The IMD and Skymet Weather also highlighted that another fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the Western Himalayas from March 2.
WHY IS HUMIDITY INCREASING IN THE WEST?
In parts of Rajasthan and Punjab, wind patterns are shifting.
“The wind is coming from the southern regions, from Gujarat. And now the wind is coming from the Arabian Sea, so it is a little humid. This moisture is merging with dry winds over the plains, leading to cloud cover in parts of Maharashtra and Telangana,” Devendra explained.
He warned that in coastal areas, the combination of high temperatures and rising humidity will gradually lead to heat waves.
