NEW DELHI, Feb. 23, 2026
Weather conditions shifted again across northwest India, with rising temperatures in the plains even as higher Himalayan regions experienced fresh snowfall and rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
States including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reported a steady increase in temperatures, leading to a noticeable rise in daytime heat. The IMD has projected further temperature increases across northwest India through the week.
Snowfall in Himachal, Uttarakhand
Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass at 13,050 feet, witnessed light snowfall Sunday, while lower areas of Kullu received light rain. Isolated light rain or snow may continue in high-altitude regions Monday before dry weather is expected to prevail until Feb. 28.
In Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, snowfall was reported in Gunji, Darma Valley, and Kalapani, bringing back cold conditions. Lower valleys, however, experienced mild sunshine before clouds and chilly winds developed later in the day.
Rising Heat in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan
Contrasting the snowfall in neighboring states, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.7°C—9.7 degrees above normal—while Qazigund touched 21.5°C, significantly higher than seasonal averages. Dry weather is expected to continue through Feb. 24.
Rajasthan also saw rising maximum temperatures amid dry conditions. The IMD forecast a further increase of 2–3°C in the next 48 hours, with partly cloudy skies likely in southeastern districts on Feb. 23 and 24.
Rain Alert for East, Northeast & South
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to trigger scattered thunderstorms and light rain Monday and Tuesday across Odisha, West Bengal’s Gangetic plains, Assam, Meghalaya, and Telangana. Gusty winds of 30–40 km/h and lightning are possible. Light rain is also forecast in parts of East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may receive light showers through Feb. 26.
