As predicted, Delhi and NCR witnessed rain and thundershowers during evening hours of March 20. On and off rain continued until late night. Many districts of Haryana and Punjab as well as Northwest Uttar Pradesh recorded moderate to intense rain leading to significant drop in temperature. Temperature of Delhi dropped to 16 degrees from 21 degrees in a span on one hour between 18:30 and 19:30 hours. Similar fall in temperature occurred over many parts of North India.
Multiple weather systems were responsible for these weather activities. A western disturbance is moving across Western Himalayas. Induced cyclonic circulation is over Haryana and adjoining parts of West Uttar Pradesh. A trough is extending from Punjab to Assam across Haryana, cyclonic circulation over Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and sub–Himalayan West Bengal.
Weather will start clearing up today on March 21st. However, isolated afternoon thunderstorm and passing rain cannot be ruled out over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Another wet spell is anticipated between night of March 23 and March 25th over North India. Many parts of Rajasthan particularly Northwest and central districts may also witness pre monsoon thunder shower activities during that period.