New Delhi, India — March 12, 2026
Weather conditions across northwest India have shifted once again, bringing snowfall in the higher Himalayan regions and rainfall in several valleys, while extreme heat continues in many parts of the plains.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), snowfall has been reported in the higher elevations of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while rain has begun in the valley regions, offering temporary relief from rising temperatures.
However, many northern, western, and eastern states continue to experience intense heat, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 42°C in several locations.
Snowfall and Rain Bring Relief in Kashmir
In the Kashmir Valley, heavy snowfall has been recorded in higher mountainous areas, while rainfall has affected the plains.
Meteorological data indicates that the sudden change in weather has led to a significant drop in daytime temperatures. Within two days, the maximum temperature in Srinagar dropped nearly 10°C.
Monday maximum temperature: 22.4°C
Wednesday maximum temperature: 12.5°C, about 2.2°C below normal
However, nighttime temperatures remain relatively warm.
Minimum temperature recorded: 10.5°C, about 7.2°C above the seasonal average
Weather officials predict snowfall in higher altitudes and rain with gusty winds in the plains between March 12 and March 15.
Yellow Alert Issued for Hailstorms in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, light snowfall was reported at high-altitude mountain passes such as Rohtang Pass and Shinkula Pass in Lahaul-Spiti.
As a precaution, authorities temporarily closed the Shinkula Pass to vehicle traffic.
Meanwhile, the plains of the state continued to experience warm weather, with temperatures crossing 30°C in districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Mandi.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts, warning of:
Hailstorms
Lightning
Thunderstorms
Strong winds of 40–50 km/h
The alert covers Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu on March 12, 14, and 15, and Mandi and Shimla between March 12 and March 15.
Heatwave Conditions Continue in Rajasthan and Gujarat
While the Himalayan region experiences snowfall and rain, the plains of Rajasthan and Gujarat are facing intense heat.
Several locations in western Rajasthan and Gujarat recorded maximum temperatures between 38°C and 42°C.
Other regions experiencing temperatures between 35°C and 38°C include:
Haryana
Chandigarh
Delhi
Uttar Pradesh (western parts)
Madhya Pradesh
Odisha
Chhattisgarh
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Kerala
Night temperatures are also rising in many regions.
Minimum temperatures recorded include:
14–18°C in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh
22–27°C in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and southern states
Western Disturbance Likely to Bring Rain and Storms
According to IMD forecasts, a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan and nearby Jammu and Kashmir is influencing current weather patterns.
Additionally, a low-pressure area extending from Bihar to northern Chhattisgarh is affecting atmospheric conditions.
Meteorologists say a new Western Disturbance is likely to become active from March 14, which could bring:
Rain and thunderstorms in northern plains
Snowfall in the Himalayan region
Strong winds across several northern states
Rain and snowfall may continue in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand until March 17.
Temperatures May Fall in the Coming Days
IMD forecasts suggest a significant drop in temperatures across parts of India in the coming week.
Key projections include:
4–6°C drop in maximum temperatures in the western Himalayan region within seven days
3–5°C drop in central India after the next three days
Gradual 3–4°C fall in northeastern India over the next four days
2–4°C drop in coastal Maharashtra over the next five days
However, weather officials say most other parts of the country may not see major temperature changes in the immediate future.
