The western disturbance that has brought moderate to intense spells of rainfall across several regions, particularly in North India, is moving towards the eastern regions of India.
With the eastward movement, rainfall activity will increase over the region, impacting states such as Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Meanwhile, on March 20, 2026, many parts of North India woke up feeling like winter again.
Daytime temperatures dropped sharply to 15°C-19°C in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. This is 10°C-15°C below the usual late-March levels of 28°C-30°C.
People deem it a very rare cold day for this time of year.
WHY IS IT COLD IN MARCH?
The western disturbance coming in from the west is the main reason for this sudden change.
The weather system is pushing cool northerly winds and rain into the region.
Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya from LiveWxIndia shared a forecast map and said winter is back for just one day. He advised everyone to enjoy the cool weather but take care, especially of their health.
The next 6 to 8 hours are important as moderate to heavy rain will keep falling in North India till afternoon. After the rain showers subside, conditions will improve by evening.
Weather experts have also noted that rainfall will increase over India’s eastern regions as the system moves East.
Videos shared by people on social media show strong showers and cloudy skies across Delhi-NCR. Many residents also took to social media to update about the heavy rain and thunderstorm that hit Lucknow.
In Hoshiarpur, Punjab, people saw sudden downpours, while fog shrouded roadways like the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway, making driving feel like a cold monsoon day.
Coming back to Delhi-NCR, rain started early morning and turned roads wet and slippery.
Farmers and daily workers are expected to face small delays due to rain, but most people are happy with the break from the rising, unseasonal heat that March had brought.
People seem ready to bring out the warm clothes that many had already packed due to the hot start to the month.
Most are also expected to stay indoors, including children and the elderly, to stay away from the gusty, cold winds and rain that continue to spread across the region.
Forecasts say that by evening, the skies should be clear and temperatures may start rising again. Experts say this cold spell will not last long, but another western disturbance could arrive soon.
For now, North India is enjoying this surprise winter gift on a day when summer was expected.
