India is currently experiencing a striking meteorological contrast, with significant rainfall and snowfall impacting its northern regions, even as central parts of the country grapple with persistent heatwave conditions. This dual weather phenomenon is primarily driven by the interaction of a Western Disturbance and a temporarily stalled southwest monsoon.
Western Disturbance Brings Relief to North
A new Western Disturbance, a weather system originating over the Mediterranean and Caspian seas, is bringing widespread precipitation to northwest India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts widespread rainfall and snowfall across the Western Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. Isolated hailstorms are also anticipated in these hilly areas.
In the plains, the system is expected to trigger sudden, intense weather events. West Rajasthan may experience thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching 60 to 70 kilometers per hour, potentially higher in gusts, particularly on Thursday. Similar conditions, along with dust storm activity, are expected in parts of West Rajasthan and East Rajasthan through Friday.
Monsoon Advance Slows, Heat Persists in Central India
While the north receives relief, the southwest monsoon has temporarily lost momentum before fully advancing into central India. The IMD's Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) has remained largely stationary for several days, currently passing through key locations such as Harnai, Solapur, Hyderabad, and Ranchi.
This delay has left several central regions hot and dry. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of Madhya Pradesh until Sunday, June 21, in Vidarbha until Saturday, June 20, and in Telangana until Friday, June 19. Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh recorded the country's highest temperature this week, reaching 44 degrees Celsius on June 16.
Conditions are, however, favorable for the monsoon to advance into parts of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh over the next four to five days, with the next significant phase of advancement expected around June 23.
Active Monsoon in East and Northeast
In contrast to the stalled advance in the center, the monsoon remains active over eastern and northeastern parts of India, bolstered by moisture from the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihar throughout the week. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour are also expected in parts of Jharkhand and Bihar.
Delhi's Weather Forecast
Delhi and the National Capital Region are expected to experience a limited impact from the Western Disturbance. The capital is likely to see partly cloudy skies on Thursday, with chances of very light to light rain and thunderstorms towards the evening or night. Temperatures are anticipated to remain near normal for this time of year, with maximums between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius and minimums between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.
Fishermen Warned as Seas Turn Rough
The IMD has issued an advisory to fishermen, cautioning them against venturing into parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal until June 22. This warning extends to areas including the Gulf of Mannar, waters off Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, and regions near the Somalia and Oman coasts, where squally winds are expected.