New Delhi, India — February 16, 2026
India’s weather is set for another shift as a new western disturbance approaches northern regions, while a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is triggering rainfall in southern states, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Meteorologists say the changing systems could bring snowfall in the Himalayas, rain in plains, and thunderstorms in southern districts over the next 24–72 hours.
South India Sees Rain, Storm Conditions
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is already affecting southern India, bringing rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The IMD forecasts that on February 16:
Gusty winds
Thunderstorms
Lightning
Heavy rainfall
may occur in southern districts. Rainfall totals between 10–15 cm are possible in some areas, raising concerns about waterlogging in low-lying regions. Authorities have advised residents to avoid coastal areas during storm activity.
Avalanche Disrupts Traffic in Jammu & Kashmir
An avalanche struck the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, blocking the Bhadarwah–Pathankot interstate route. Officials said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. between Thantera and Guldanda, about 18 km from Bhadarwah town.
More than 250 vehicles carrying tourists were stranded due to the blockage. No casualties were reported, and teams with heavy machinery were deployed to clear the road.
Snowfall and Rain Forecast for Himalayan States
The IMD predicts light to moderate rain and snowfall starting February 16 in higher altitudes of:
Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Weather activity may intensify between February 17–18, especially in mountainous regions.
Despite sunny daytime conditions recently in Kashmir Valley — with temperatures up to 8°C above normal — minimum temperatures remain below freezing.
In Uttarakhand, alerts have been issued for Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh districts beginning February 17. Pilgrimage sites such as Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are experiencing severe cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between –12°C and –20°C.
Rain Likely in Plains States
Thunderstorms with lightning and scattered rainfall are forecast between February 17–18 for:
Punjab
Haryana
Chandigarh
Delhi
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh may see thunderstorm activity on February 18–19.
Rajasthan and Bihar are expected to remain mostly dry, though minimum temperatures could rise by 2–3°C.
Northeast Forecast
Light rainfall is likely across northeastern states including:
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Meghalaya
Nagaland
Temperatures across the region are expected to gradually increase by 2–3°C over the next three days.
Temperature Trend Outlook
Next 24 hours: No major change in minimum temperatures.
Following days: Northwest India may see a 2–3°C drop, while western India could experience a gradual rise of similar magnitude.
Meteorological Outlook
Weather experts say the combination of a western disturbance in the north and a low-pressure system in the south is creating a classic transitional pattern often seen in late winter. Such overlapping systems typically produce localized extremes, including snowfall in mountains and thunderstorms in plains.
