New Delhi, India — March 16, 2026
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather warning for several parts of the country between March 16 and March 19, 2026, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across 17 states in North, East, and Central India.
According to meteorologists, the change in weather conditions is being driven by a Western Disturbance, which is expected to bring unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to rain, lightning, and gusty winds in multiple regions.
Regions Likely to Be Affected
Northwest India
States including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. The IMD has also predicted strong winds ranging from 50 to 70 km/h, which may lead to temporary disruptions in some areas.
Himalayan Region
The Himalayan states—Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—may witness rain and snowfall on March 16, with a possibility of hailstorms in isolated areas, according to the weather department.
Central and Eastern India
The IMD has also issued an alert for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, where scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected between March 16 and March 19.
Northeast India
In the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, the weather department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on March 16 and 17, which could impact local transportation and daily activities.
Possible Impact and Advisory
Impact on Agriculture
Farmers have been advised to remain alert, as hailstorms and strong winds could damage Rabi crops, including wheat, as well as fruit orchards and vegetable farms. Agricultural experts recommend using protective hail nets where possible to minimize crop losses.
Temperature Drop Expected
The rainfall may bring temporary relief from rising temperatures, with North India expected to see a drop of around 3–5°C during the forecast period.
Improvement in Air Quality
Rain and strong winds could also lead to improved air quality levels in Delhi-NCR, as pollutants are likely to disperse due to the changing weather conditions.
Another Western Disturbance Likely
Weather officials also indicated that another Western Disturbance may affect northwest India starting the night of March 17, potentially bringing another round of rainfall around March 18.
Authorities have advised residents to monitor official updates and take necessary precautions, particularly in areas prone to strong winds or hailstorms.
