The weather gods seem to be unhappy with everyone, except for the people in the North India where the weather has turned rainy, cloudy and pleasantly cold. The rest of the country is feeling rather unlucky and left out as there isn't any weather system in sight that could bring change in the hot and dry weather. A bright sun is dominating the weather and has forced maximums in most parts of the country to settle above 25⁰C.
Weather in North India
Rain and snow due a strong western Disturbance that approached Jammu and Kashmir on the 2nd of February has changed the weather in the state and Himachal Pradesh from dry to extremely wet. Rain/snow of over 1 to 2 inches has been experienced at various tourist locations, including Srinagar, Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. More such weather is on its way, lasting till the 7th of February. On the morning of 5th February a change in the weather in Delhi and adjoining plains was witnessed due to early morning rain. Coinciding with the weather in the hills, rain in the northern plains is also expected to last till the 7th, pulling down the maximums with it.
Weather in East/Northeast
No rain is in sight for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Jharkhand in East India, which usually receives rain if there is a system present in the North. This part of the country which has been the worst hit by dense fog and cold day conditions till last month, is currently experiencing fog free days. Sun is bright and the maximums in many parts of U.P have risen significantly. On 4th February, Lucknow and Allahabad saw the maximums settle at 28.3⁰C and 29.2⁰C respectively.
Northeast India has been the driest of all. With very little rainfall received in the otherwise wet month of January, the overall deficit for the season has become insurmountable. In the absence of rain the maximum temperatures have been on the rise, recording 5-7˚C above normal. Lakhimpur has consistently recording maximum at around 29˚C and Guwahati at 28˚C.
After days of dry weather there is some good news for Northeast India. Our weathermen predict chances of light rain in east Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur.
Central and South India
Just like parts of East India, some parts of Central India occasionally receive light rain due to a Western Disturbance or a cyclonic circulation in the North. We didn't see that happen this time which directly led to a rise in the mercury levels in most parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. Days are hot in Bhuvaneshwar and Mumbai, at 33⁰C and very warm in Bhopal, at around 29⁰C.
We have repeatedly talked about the weather in South India, currently the hottest region in India. Occasional showers did occur in the last few weeks, but only in south Tamil Nadu. The entire peninsular India has been uncomfortably dry, with maximums consistently settling between 33⁰C and 35⁰C. Mangalore has been the hottest city in India at 37⁰C.
Photo by Ritika Acharya.
