Weather in India to remain dry during Holi

The most awaited festival of colour is here. Like every other festival in India, Holi too has mythological connotations and the two main rituals associated with Holi are Holika Dahan and playing with colours the next day. Though the main day of Holi this year is on the 17^th of March, festivities have already started in some parts of the country. Spare few minutes to take a look at the weather conditions across the country during this period-

Weather in North India

Two consecutive Western Disturbances will affect weather in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the foothills of North India for the next few days. The first one has already reached Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas. According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the period of precipitation will last till 18^th of March with variations in intensity on alternate days. 

In the last 24 hours, only few places received rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir. Kupwara and Gulmarg recorded 7.2 mm and 0.6 mm of rain. Srinagar did not record any precipitation yesterday but it has been raining there since today morning. Snowfall will be confined to the higher reaches and Srinagar will witness more rain with light snowfall.

At present, the sky is cloudy over Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh and some high clouds could be seen over Delhi/NCR. The national capital will remain on the fringes of the Western Disturbances and might receive some rain tomorrow and then again on the 18^th morning, under the influence of the second system.

These weather systems will not cause much rain in northwest plains other than some parts of Punjab and adjoining Haryana. Cloudy weather in these parts during Holi will keep the day temperatures in check. The day will be bright and sunny in rest of the places including East and Central India. Temperatures are rising and could reach 28°C in few places of North India by the 17^th.

Weather in South India

The weather has turned dry in South India. In absence of any rain, temperatures are above 35°C in several places including Madurai, Cochin, Kottayam and Salem. Maximums are above 37°C in Gulbarga, Mangalore and Goa. Temperatures are showing a rising trend in this part of the country and weather will not play spoilsport during Holi celebrations.

picture courtesy- associated press