Unseasonal Rainfall in Delhi: Understanding the Weather Changes in March
Why is Delhi Experiencing Rain in March?
If you were expecting a sunny Sunday morning in Delhi but instead encountered overcast skies and strong winds, you're not alone. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted light rain and thunderstorms in the Delhi-NCR region, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h, leading to a temperature drop of 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. The IMD predicted that light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning would occur in the national capital during the morning and afternoon, with surface winds potentially hitting 50 km/h. The temperatures, which had been significantly above normal, were expected to decrease by 3 to 7 degrees Celsius from recent highs.
What Causes the Rain in March?
Western disturbances are low-pressure systems that form over the Mediterranean Sea and move eastward through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, eventually reaching the Indian subcontinent. Typically, these disturbances bring rain and snowfall to the northern mountains during winter, but their occurrence in March has led to an unusual increase in moisture reaching the plains. Devendra Tripathi, founder of 'Mausam Tak' and a weather blogger, indicated that on March 15, rain and snowfall are likely in hilly states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which could also affect the plains.
Duration of Rain and Cooler Weather
The IMD has confirmed that a new western disturbance could impact northwestern India starting the night of March 17, potentially prolonging the cooler weather. Independent weather expert Navdeep Dahiya noted that changes in wind patterns could lead to pre-monsoon rains in southern and eastern India from mid-March to April.
Regions Expected to Experience Rain
The IMD has predicted significant rainfall across a wide area. Assam is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh may also experience substantial rain. Alerts for thunderstorms and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh between March 15 and 19, with some areas expecting hail.
Impact on Agriculture
While the drop in temperature may reduce moisture stress on standing rabi crops like wheat, chickpeas, and mustard, the IMD has raised some serious concerns. Pre-monsoon rains accompanied by hail and strong winds (with speeds reaching 50 to 60 km/h, and up to 70 km/h in some areas) could damage horticultural and standing crops, injure people and livestock, and cause minor to severe damage to power and communication lines.
Precautions for Farmers
Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been advised to use hail nets to protect their orchards and vegetable fields and to keep their livestock indoors.