The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning for 11 states regarding a sudden change in weather starting this week. A new Western Disturbance is becoming active, which is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. While the temperature was slowly rising, this new weather system will bring back wet conditions and a slight chill in many parts of North India. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated as the weather takes a turn.
Which states will see rain and storms?
The weather department has identified specific regions that will be impacted by this disturbance. The alert covers West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan in the northern belt. Hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh are also expected to see significant weather changes. Apart from North India, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also on the alert list. Winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 km/h are likely to accompany the rain in several of these areas.
What does this mean for UP, Bihar, and farmers?
Western Uttar Pradesh is specifically warned to expect rain and storms on February 17 and 18. Bihar is also expected to witness a shift in temperature and weather patterns following this period. Additionally, dense fog alerts remain active for approximately 29 districts in North India, which could affect visibility in the early mornings. Farmers, particularly those in the wheat-growing belts of Punjab, Haryana, and UP, are advised to monitor the rain forecast closely to manage irrigation. The sudden shift from warm to wet weather can also impact health, so people are advised to take precautions against colds and seasonal flu.