New Delhi, India — February 24, 2026
Weather patterns across northwest India are shifting rapidly, with fresh snowfall reported in higher Himalayan regions while temperatures continue rising across the plains, including the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh forecasts warning of additional snowfall in elevated regions and thunderstorms in eastern and northeastern states.
Snowfall in Western Himalayan Region
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), an upper-air cyclonic circulation over Uttarakhand has triggered light rainfall and snowfall in higher altitudes.
Districts including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh are under alert, with snowfall likely in areas above 3,000 meters on February 24 and 25. Morning and evening cold winds are expected in the plains, though daytime temperatures are gradually rising.
In Himachal Pradesh, light rain was recorded in Kullu, Kinnaur, and Dharamshala, while Manali saw clear skies during the day. Tabo recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.6°C, whereas Una reached a maximum of 28°C, reflecting sharp regional contrasts. Light rain and snowfall are forecast between February 26 and 28.
Jammu & Kashmir Records Above-Normal Temperatures
Residents of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing unusually warm daytime conditions. Maximum temperatures across many plains in the region remain 8–12°C above normal levels.
In Srinagar, the mercury climbed to 20.7°C — nearly 9.7°C above seasonal averages. Pahalgam recorded 17.5°C, Gulmarg 10°C, Jammu 25°C, and Kathua 24°C. While mornings and nights remain cool, daytime warmth has intensified significantly.
Delhi Temperatures to Rise Further
In New Delhi, temperatures are expected to continue climbing through March 1. The IMD forecasts:
Maximum temperature may reach 32°C by February 26
Between February 27 and March 1, highs could range from 31–33°C
Minimum temperatures likely between 13–17°C
Typically, northern India begins experiencing sustained warmth after Holi, but dry weather conditions have accelerated the seasonal transition this year. Over the next seven days, maximum temperatures across north Indian plains could rise by an additional 3–4°C.
Punjab’s Bathinda recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 9.6°C. Meanwhile, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and Madurai in Tamil Nadu each recorded highs of 37°C, among the highest in the country.
Thunderstorms and Strong Winds in Eastern & Northeastern India
Subtropical westerly winds remain active over northeastern India, while an upper-level cyclonic circulation over western Assam is driving unstable weather.
Odisha recorded light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h. Similar conditions are forecast to continue.
Parts of eastern Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh also reported scattered showers. Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, and Telangana experienced rainfall with lightning activity.
