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<p>Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of northwest India are experiencing an unusually cold March. Heavy rains and unexpected snowfall hit remote areas of Pakistan over the weekend, killing at least 35 people and injuring many.</p>

<p>Among the fatalities, there were 22 children, crushed under&nbsp;landslides that destroyed their houses. According to the disaster management authorities, the harsh weather conditions in Pakistan's northern and western regions blocked several roads and buried hundreds of homes.</p>

<p>In Afghanistan, at least 39 people died and more than 30 suffered injuries across different provinces as heavy showers and snowfall hit several regions.</p>

<p>The sudden snowfall typically has shocked weather experts as weather in Pakistan is usually mild in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mushtaq Ali Shah, a former director of Pakistan's meteorological department, connected the abnormal weather conditions to climate change.</p>

<p>A westerly disturbance has been moving across Afghanistan, Pakistan and northwest India in the last few days, making the region colder than expected. Many places in these regions are experiencing heavy snow and torrential rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a weekly forecast, Pakistan's meteorological department said that most parts of the country will have "mainly cold and dry weather, while some parts of Balochistan and Kashim could expect "snowfall over hills".</p>

<p>While summer has already arrived in India's southern parts, hot weather seems to be taking its sweet time to reach the northern half of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Northwest India Weather Forecast</strong></h2>

<p>In northwest India, March generally serves as a transition period, allowing people to ease into the fiery depths of the Indian summer after winter.</p>

<p>However, this year, regions like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, might witness daytime temperatures hover at four to eight degrees Celsius below normal until Thursday (Mar 7).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farmers-resume-delhi-chalo-march-police-boost-surveillance-at-borders-697130">India: Farmers resume 'Dilli Chalo' march, police boost surveillance on borders</a></p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated in a weather forecast, "A Western Disturbance as a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies runs roughly along Long 60 degree East to the north of Lat 30 degrees North. Under its influence; isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall/snowfall likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Mazaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh and isolated rainfall/snowfall likely over Uttarakhand during 06th-07th March 2024."</p>

<p>IMD has also warned that thunderstorms and lightning are very likely at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the country's national capital, people woke up to chill in the air on Wednesday as the minimum temperature dropped to nine degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours.</p>

<p>IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky over the next few days with minimum temperature ranging between 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the maximum temperature will remain between 23 to 30 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of northwest India are experiencing an unusually cold March. Heavy rains and unexpected snowfall hit remote areas of Pakistan over the weekend, killing at least 35 people and injuring many.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of northwest India are experiencing an unusually cold March. Heavy rains and unexpected snowfall hit remote areas of Pakistan over the weekend, killing at least 35 people and injuring many. Among the fatalities, there were 22 children, crushed under landslides that destroyed their houses. According to the disaster management authorities, the harsh weather conditions in Pakistan's northern and western regions blocked several roads and buried hundreds of homes. In Afghanistan, at least 39 people died and more than 30 suffered injuries across different provinces as heavy showers and snowfall hit several regions. The sudden snowfall typically has shocked weather experts as weather in Pakistan is usually mild in March. Mushtaq Ali Shah, a former director of Pakistan's meteorological department, connected the abnormal weather conditions to climate change. A westerly disturbance has been moving across Afghanistan, Pakistan and northwest India in the last few days, making the region colder than expected. Many places in these regions are experiencing heavy snow and torrential rains. In a weekly forecast, Pakistan's meteorological department said that most parts of the country will have "mainly cold and dry weather, while some parts of Balochistan and Kashim could expect "snowfall over hills". While summer has already arrived in India's southern parts, hot weather seems to be taking its sweet time to reach the northern half of the country. Northwest India Weather Forecast In northwest India, March generally serves as a transition period, allowing people to ease into the fiery depths of the Indian summer after winter. However, this year, regions like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, might witness daytime temperatures hover at four to eight degrees Celsius below normal until Thursday (Mar 7). ALSO READ | India: Farmers resume 'Dilli Chalo' march, police boost surveillance on borders The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated in a weather forecast, "A Western Disturbance as a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies runs roughly along Long 60 degree East to the north of Lat 30 degrees North. Under its influence; isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall/snowfall likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Mazaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh and isolated rainfall/snowfall likely over Uttarakhand during 06th-07th March 2024." IMD has also warned that thunderstorms and lightning are very likely at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh. In Delhi, the country's national capital, people woke up to chill in the air on Wednesday as the minimum temperature dropped to nine degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours. IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky over the next few days with minimum temperature ranging between 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the maximum temperature will remain between 23 to 30 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies)

Unexpected snowfall takes several lives in Pakistan, Afghanistan; Northwest India shivers in March

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<p><strong>Weather Update:&nbsp;</strong>The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Delhi. IMD has also informed&nbsp;that rainfall and thunderstorm-like conditions will continue over Northwest India for two days. The weather department also issued a yellow alert in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.</p>

<p>The warning issued by IMD suggested checking for traffic congestion on routes before leaving for the destination and following traffic advisories issued in this regard. "Avoid going to areas that face water logging problems often," mentioned the IMD weather forecast.</p>

<h2><strong>Weather Update: Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>IMD has warned that the expected rain might cause traffic disruptions and flooding in low-lying areas on Wednesday. The light to moderate rain might also cause waterlogging in several parts of Delhi. During the day, the sky will be partly cloudy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-teen-murder-accused-planned-murder-for-two-days-say-police-598654">Delhi teen girl’s brutal murder: Accused planned murder for two days, say police</a></p>

<h2>IMD&nbsp;Forecast for the next five days</h2>

<p><strong>Weather Update: Northwest India</strong></p>

<p>Northwest India might witness rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional gusty winds till June 1. Hailstorms are likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on May 31 and June 1. Uttarakhand might also witness thunderstorms and gusty winds of speed 60-70 km/h from May 31 to June 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Weather Update: South India</strong></p>

<p>Kerala, Lakshwadeep, and South Karnataka might witness rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Similar rainfall conditions will prevail over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the upcoming five days. Isolated places in Tamil Nadu and South Karnataka might receive heavy rainfall on May 31 and June 1. Kerala is likely to have rainfall-like conditions till June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>IMD Heatwave Forecast</strong></h2>

<p>Bihar and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal might have heatwaves from May 31 to June 4. Heatwave-like conditions will also prevail in Gangetic West Bengal on June 1 and 2, according to the weather forecast by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).</p>

<p>Northwest India might notice a gradual rise in temperature after two days. East India will also see a rise in temperature by 2°C after two days. Other regions of the country will not see any significant change in maximum temperature in the next five days. In Northeast India, the maximum temperatures might be above normal by 4-6°C in the next two days. The IMD forecast also mentioned humid air and high temperature in Goa and Gujarat on May 31 and June 1.&nbsp;</p>

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Weather Update: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Delhi. IMD has also informed that rainfall and thunderstorm-like conditions will continue over Northwest India for two days.

Weather Update: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Delhi. IMD has also informed that rainfall and thunderstorm-like conditions will continue over Northwest India for two days. The weather department also issued a yellow alert in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The warning issued by IMD suggested checking for traffic congestion on routes before leaving for the destination and following traffic advisories issued in this regard. "Avoid going to areas that face water logging problems often," mentioned the IMD weather forecast. Weather Update: Delhi IMD has warned that the expected rain might cause traffic disruptions and flooding in low-lying areas on Wednesday. The light to moderate rain might also cause waterlogging in several parts of Delhi. During the day, the sky will be partly cloudy. ALSO READ | Delhi teen girl’s brutal murder: Accused planned murder for two days, say police IMD Forecast for the next five days Weather Update: Northwest India Northwest India might witness rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional gusty winds till June 1. Hailstorms are likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on May 31 and June 1. Uttarakhand might also witness thunderstorms and gusty winds of speed 60-70 km/h from May 31 to June 2. Weather Update: South India Kerala, Lakshwadeep, and South Karnataka might witness rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Similar rainfall conditions will prevail over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the upcoming five days. Isolated places in Tamil Nadu and South Karnataka might receive heavy rainfall on May 31 and June 1. Kerala is likely to have rainfall-like conditions till June 4. IMD Heatwave Forecast Bihar and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal might have heatwaves from May 31 to June 4. Heatwave-like conditions will also prevail in Gangetic West Bengal on June 1 and 2, according to the weather forecast by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Northwest India might notice a gradual rise in temperature after two days. East India will also see a rise in temperature by 2°C after two days. Other regions of the country will not see any significant change in maximum temperature in the next five days. In Northeast India, the maximum temperatures might be above normal by 4-6°C in the next two days. The IMD forecast also mentioned humid air and high temperature in Goa and Gujarat on May 31 and June 1. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Weather Forecast: Yellow alert issued amid rainfall in Delhi, heatwave to return to these states

<p>The minimum temperature is very likely to fall by two to four degrees Celsius in most parts of northwest India during the next two days, informed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.</p>

<p>"Due to the prevalence of dry north/north-westerly winds, minimum temperatures very likely to fall by two-four degree Celsius over most parts of northwest India during next 2 days," it said.</p>

<p>Due to the influence of dry north/north-westerly winds in northwest India, a dense to very dense fog at isolated/few pockets are very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar during next three days.</p>

<p>"Cold wave or severe cold wave conditions at isolated pockets also very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh during next 2 days. Cold Day conditions at isolated pockets also very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during next two-three days," IMD said.</p>

<p>The weather forecasting agency further said a cyclonic circulation is hovering over southwest Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu coast in mid-tropospheric levels and a trough runs from cyclonic circulation over central parts of South Arabian Sea and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean to Comorin area in lower tropospheric levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IMD predicted that under its influence scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with moderate thunderstorm and lightning is very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep area during next two days and reduction in rainfall activities over these regions thereafter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of Northeast monsoon rains over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, adjoining areas of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka around January 19, 2021," it added.</p>


The minimum temperature is very likely to fall by two to four degrees Celsius in most parts of northwest India during the next two days, informed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

The minimum temperature is very likely to fall by two to four degrees Celsius in most parts of northwest India during the next two days, informed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. "Due to the prevalence of dry north/north-westerly winds, minimum temperatures very likely to fall by two-four degree Celsius over most parts of northwest India during next 2 days," it said. Due to the influence of dry north/north-westerly winds in northwest India, a dense to very dense fog at isolated/few pockets are very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar during next three days. "Cold wave or severe cold wave conditions at isolated pockets also very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh during next 2 days. Cold Day conditions at isolated pockets also very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during next two-three days," IMD said. The weather forecasting agency further said a cyclonic circulation is hovering over southwest Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu coast in mid-tropospheric levels and a trough runs from cyclonic circulation over central parts of South Arabian Sea and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean to Comorin area in lower tropospheric levels. IMD predicted that under its influence scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with moderate thunderstorm and lightning is very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep area during next two days and reduction in rainfall activities over these regions thereafter. "Conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of Northeast monsoon rains over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, adjoining areas of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka around January 19, 2021," it added.

Minimum temperature very likely to fall by 2-4 degree Celsius in northwest India: IMD

<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;If winters are here can the smog be far behind?&rdquo;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">If you live in Delhi or for that matter in north-west India, chances are you must have listened to this resigned lament at least once every year before the onset of winters.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, has a corrosive quality and plays havoc with your respiratory system. In Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR), the problem has grown over the years and has assumed dangerous proportions during the last decade and a half.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">During the 1980s and 90s, the problem of smoke and smog had started raising its ugly head but at that time the reasons were different. The use of diesel as fuel in buses and auto-rickshaws as well as the indiscriminate burning of waste was considered to be the main culprits. So when the city shifted to CNG (compressed natural gas) for autos and buses, there was an immediate improvement in the ambient air quality.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="text-align: justify;">However, in the first decade of the 21st century, all the gains made due to the implementation of CNG were lost because of a host of reasons. &nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Still, the menace can be fought but a multipronged action needs to be taken in a mission mode.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">But before talking about the solutions we should know the causes of smog in Delhi and the limitations they will put on the solutions implemented in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Delhi is geographically predisposed to suffer from the haze. Proximity to arid zones of Rajasthan, increasing desertification coupled with erratic wind flow patterns during winter creates a situation where even moderate pollution can lead to long spells of haze.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Adding to this, many new and old sources of pollution have conspired to choke Delhi in the last two decades. &nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Right now the city suffers from smog due to four main reasons &ndash; burning of crop stubble in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, the presence of polluting industries in the NCR region, very high density of diesel-run automobiles as well as constant and widespread construction activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Let&rsquo;s begin with crop residue burning. Earlier, when the crops were harvested by hand, they would get easily mixed with the soil when tractors were used since the stubbles left behind were very small. Now long staffs of stubbles are left behind because of the mechanised thrashers and harvesters, leaving no option for the farmers but to burn them.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Technicians, scientists and engineers should come together to find a solution to this problem on an emergency basis and the government should financially help the farmers to introduce new methods of harvesting their crops once they are in place. Penalising them alone wouldn&rsquo;t work.</p>

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<p>Most of the industries, in and around Delhi fall into the category of MSMEs or Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises. They use diesel and furnace oil, two of the most polluting fuels, as their sources of energy.&nbsp;A thorough research has already been done and various government agencies suggest that a cleaner fuel in the form of natural gas is available and can readily be provided to these industries.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The industry, on the other hand, fears it will escalate their cost of production and make their product unviable in the market. The government should sponsor a scheme to compulsorily change their fuel use.&nbsp;We should remember that these small enterprises operate on very little margins so they would need government help to make a transition to cleaner fuel. Tax holidays and soft loans to implement fuel transition and technology installation can be a way forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Third, there should be a complete ban on construction activities between the months of October to March.&nbsp;In a growing economy, construction activities will happen and should happen. But it should be made time specific in the context of NCR to stop its ill effect on health during a season which increases pollutant levels in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Fourth, is automobiles. Here, the people&rsquo;s participation is needed. The government should seriously consider banning certain types of automobiles for personal use, especially diesel driven SUVs and other big cars, and encourage people to use public transport as much as they can.&nbsp;For this, the government will also have to provide last mile connectivity and improved bus services which are reliable and comfortable. Bicycle lanes should be strictly followed and a heavy penalty should be imposed on those who violate it.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, the coal-fired power plant in Delhi should be phased out and the government should force the distribution companies to source electricity from gas-fired power plants and solar farms from Rajasthan.&nbsp;It may increase the power bills a bit, but that&rsquo;s a small price to pay for clean and healthy air.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi chokes from burning of crop stubble in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, the presence of polluting industries in the NCR region, very high density of diesel-run automobiles as well as constant and widespread construction activities.?

“If winters are here can the smog be far behind?” If you live in Delhi or for that matter in north-west India, chances are you must have listened to this resigned lament at least once every year before the onset of winters. Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, has a corrosive quality and plays havoc with your respiratory system. In Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR), the problem has grown over the years and has assumed dangerous proportions during the last decade and a half. During the 1980s and 90s, the problem of smoke and smog had started raising its ugly head but at that time the reasons were different. The use of diesel as fuel in buses and auto-rickshaws as well as the indiscriminate burning of waste was considered to be the main culprits. So when the city shifted to CNG (compressed natural gas) for autos and buses, there was an immediate improvement in the ambient air quality. Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, has a corrosive quality and plays havoc with your respiratory system. × However, in the first decade of the 21st century, all the gains made due to the implementation of CNG were lost because of a host of reasons. Still, the menace can be fought but a multipronged action needs to be taken in a mission mode. But before talking about the solutions we should know the causes of smog in Delhi and the limitations they will put on the solutions implemented in the future. Delhi is geographically predisposed to suffer from the haze. Proximity to arid zones of Rajasthan, increasing desertification coupled with erratic wind flow patterns during winter creates a situation where even moderate pollution can lead to long spells of haze. Adding to this, many new and old sources of pollution have conspired to choke Delhi in the last two decades. Right now the city suffers from smog due to four main reasons – burning of crop stubble in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, the presence of polluting industries in the NCR region, very high density of diesel-run automobiles as well as constant and widespread construction activities. Let’s begin with crop residue burning. Earlier, when the crops were harvested by hand, they would get easily mixed with the soil when tractors were used since the stubbles left behind were very small. Now long staffs of stubbles are left behind because of the mechanised thrashers and harvesters, leaving no option for the farmers but to burn them. Technicians, scientists and engineers should come together to find a solution to this problem on an emergency basis and the government should financially help the farmers to introduce new methods of harvesting their crops once they are in place. Penalising them alone wouldn’t work. Now long staffs of stubbles are left behind because of the mechanised thrashers and harvesters, leaving no option for the farmers but to burn them. × Most of the industries, in and around Delhi fall into the category of MSMEs or Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises. They use diesel and furnace oil, two of the most polluting fuels, as their sources of energy. A thorough research has already been done and various government agencies suggest that a cleaner fuel in the form of natural gas is available and can readily be provided to these industries. The industry, on the other hand, fears it will escalate their cost of production and make their product unviable in the market. The government should sponsor a scheme to compulsorily change their fuel use. We should remember that these small enterprises operate on very little margins so they would need government help to make a transition to cleaner fuel. Tax holidays and soft loans to implement fuel transition and technology installation can be a way forward. Third, there should be a complete ban on construction activities between the months of October to March. In a growing economy, construction activities will happen and should happen. But it should be made time specific in the context of NCR to stop its ill effect on health during a season which increases pollutant levels in the air. Fourth, is automobiles. Here, the people’s participation is needed. The government should seriously consider banning certain types of automobiles for personal use, especially diesel driven SUVs and other big cars, and encourage people to use public transport as much as they can. For this, the government will also have to provide last mile connectivity and improved bus services which are reliable and comfortable. Bicycle lanes should be strictly followed and a heavy penalty should be imposed on those who violate it. Finally, the coal-fired power plant in Delhi should be phased out and the government should force the distribution companies to source electricity from gas-fired power plants and solar farms from Rajasthan. It may increase the power bills a bit, but that’s a small price to pay for clean and healthy air.

Smog: No easy way out for Delhi

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Unexpected snowfall takes several lives in Pakistan, Afghanistan; Northwest India shivers in March

Weather Forecast: Yellow alert issued amid rainfall in Delhi, heatwave to return to these states

Minimum temperature very likely to fall by 2-4 degree Celsius in northwest India: IMD

Smog: No easy way out for Delhi