A series of Western Disturbances in March

After a good spell of heavy rain and snowfall, hilly states and plains of North India will now have to prepare for a series of western disturbances during March. While pleasant weather is expected to prevail over next few days, clouding and overcast sky is likely for states like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi from 7^th -10^th March.

Currently over Afghanistan and north Pakistan, the western disturbance is likely to move over Jammu and Kashmir by 7^th March and give isolated snowfall over the hilly state. The induced circulation is currently hovering over central Pakistan which will start affecting northern Rajasthan on Saturday as well. The interaction of the two weather systems will give light to moderate rain over plains of north India from 8^th – 10^th March.

March is relatively a dry month in comparison to February that is considered to be the rainiest winter month. However, March began with a bang as heavy rain lashed parts of North India along with snowfall over the hilly states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Rain in March is rare and if it comes in moderation, it threatens the output of winter crops such as wheat, mustard and other rabi crops that is ready for harvest during March and April.

Also Read: Rain in March to pour woes for mustard, wheat production

Short spells carrying moderate and isolated rainfall are expected over hilly regions and plains throughout March. The spell post Holi is likely to be followed by another western disturbance on the 21^st March and then on 25^th March. Though the intensity of rainfall will not be as severe as the one during first western disturbance of March, rain and snow is most likely to affect day and night temperatures marginally.

According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the arrival and effect of western disturbance is likely to spill over into April as well when residents of hilly states and plains may witness light to moderate rain.