A powerful Western Disturbance, which the North India normally witnesses in January, is rushing towards Delhi from the west, and by Tuesday, April 7, it is predicted that the daytime temperature of the national capital will come down from 35 degrees Celsius to as low as 21. Its peak impact will be felt between April 7 and 10, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Western Disturbance has already begun affecting some regions of North India that include the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which experienced fresh snowfall. The wet weather has also gripped parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan with light rain affecting wheat growers in these states, leading to major losses due to crop damage.&nbsp; In Jammu and Kashmir, snowfall also forced the closure of several key inter-district roads. The Meteorological Department warned of short but intense spells of heavy rain in isolated areas, which could trigger flash floods, landslides in vulnerable regions, and waterlogging in low-lying zones. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh experienced a drop in both daytime and night temperatures, with light to moderate rainfall and snowfall reported across multiple areas.<h3>How is this powerful Western Disturbance building up?</h3>This upcoming weather event is stronger than usual because two separate systems are joining forces. While a Western Disturbance (a storm system from the west) is moving in, it is being "fed" by a large amount of moisture rising from the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;This moisture has created a secondary circulating weather pattern over Rajasthan. You can think of this as a local whirlpool of warm, moist air that is already building up thick clouds. As the main storm system arrives from the west, these two systems will merge. Together, they will create a much denser band of clouds, significantly increasing the chances of heavy rain across North India.&nbsp;Computer models show this low-pressure system currently sitting over Pakistan and Afghanistan, with strong winds steadily pushing moisture into Northwest India. The system will start affecting West Rajasthan from the evening of April 6, spreading across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh through April 7, and reaching its full intensity on April 8, before gradually declining into April 10.<h3>How cold will North India get?</h3>A sharp dip in temperatures is on the cards across North India. Daytime highs, currently hovering between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius in the plains, are expected to fall significantly. Based on the ECMWF forecast, maximum temperatures could drop to 19–24 degrees Celsius in Punjab, 20–25 degrees Celsius in Haryana, and 21–26 degrees Celsius in Delhi around April 7 to April 8, around 8 to 15 degrees below normal. In effect, conditions may briefly resemble those typically seen in February rather than April. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-man-plays-ghost-sounds-on-loudspeaker-for-10-hours-a-day-to-annoy-his-neighbour-1775214697588">Chinese man blasts ghost sounds on loudspeaker for 10 hours a day to annoy his neighbour</a>

The wet weather has also gripped parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan with light rain affecting wheat growers in these states, leading to major losses due to crop damage. 

A powerful Western Disturbance, which the North India normally witnesses in January, is rushing towards Delhi from the west, and by Tuesday, April 7, it is predicted that the daytime temperature of the national capital will come down from 35 degrees Celsius to as low as 21. Its peak impact will be felt between April 7 and 10, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, the Western Disturbance has already begun affecting some regions of North India that include the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which experienced fresh snowfall. The wet weather has also gripped parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan with light rain affecting wheat growers in these states, leading to major losses due to crop damage. In Jammu and Kashmir, snowfall also forced the closure of several key inter-district roads. The Meteorological Department warned of short but intense spells of heavy rain in isolated areas, which could trigger flash floods, landslides in vulnerable regions, and waterlogging in low-lying zones. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh experienced a drop in both daytime and night temperatures, with light to moderate rainfall and snowfall reported across multiple areas. How is this powerful Western Disturbance building up? This upcoming weather event is stronger than usual because two separate systems are joining forces. While a Western Disturbance (a storm system from the west) is moving in, it is being "fed" by a large amount of moisture rising from the Arabian Sea. This moisture has created a secondary circulating weather pattern over Rajasthan. You can think of this as a local whirlpool of warm, moist air that is already building up thick clouds. As the main storm system arrives from the west, these two systems will merge. Together, they will create a much denser band of clouds, significantly increasing the chances of heavy rain across North India. Computer models show this low-pressure system currently sitting over Pakistan and Afghanistan, with strong winds steadily pushing moisture into Northwest India. The system will start affecting West Rajasthan from the evening of April 6, spreading across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh through April 7, and reaching its full intensity on April 8, before gradually declining into April 10. How cold will North India get? A sharp dip in temperatures is on the cards across North India. Daytime highs, currently hovering between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius in the plains, are expected to fall significantly. Based on the ECMWF forecast, maximum temperatures could drop to 19–24 degrees Celsius in Punjab, 20–25 degrees Celsius in Haryana, and 21–26 degrees Celsius in Delhi around April 7 to April 8, around 8 to 15 degrees below normal. In effect, conditions may briefly resemble those typically seen in February rather than April. Also read: Chinese man blasts ghost sounds on loudspeaker for 10 hours a day to annoy his neighbour

The wet weather has also gripped parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan with light rain affecting wheat growers in these states, leading to major losses due to crop damage.&nbsp;

Is winter coming in April? Powerful Western Disturbance to bring rain, unseasonal cold in Delhi

India remained under a blanket of dense cloud cover on Friday (March 20) as satellite imagery revealed the widespread influence of an active Western disturbance affecting northern and central regions of the country. The images showed a thick cloud band stretching across North India, highlighting significant atmospheric instability and active weather systems dominating the region.<h2>Western disturbance triggers widespread rain</h2>According to the India Meteorological Department, the current weather pattern is being driven by a strong Western disturbance positioned over North Punjab and nearby areas. This system is interacting with cyclonic circulations over Haryana as well as parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Supported by a well-defined trough line, these conditions have led to moderate to heavy rainfall across several parts of North India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, another Western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India starting March 22, which may further alter weather patterns in the coming days. Although North India remains the most affected, satellite observations show cloud activity spreading across central and eastern regions, with rainfall expected to gradually shift eastward.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-wettest-march-in-three-years-aqi-at-123-after-rain-1773992464289">Delhi logs wettest March in three years; AQI at 123 after rain</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">(1)Nowcast Weather Warning Date of issue: 20-03-2026 Valid upto: 1900 Hrs IST Red warning is issued for thunderstorm and lightning with hail and heavy rain(&gt;15mm/hr) over Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Orange warning is issued for moderate thunderstorm, lightning and gusty… <a href="https://t.co/u1xZYOE62A">pic.twitter.com/u1xZYOE62A</a>&mdash; India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/2034949884986744896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What satellite imagery shows?</h2>Infrared satellite imagery indicates moderate to very intense convective activity across multiple regions. The IR-1 channel, used for monitoring cloud and surface temperatures, provides key insights: Bright white patches indicate high-altitude, cold cloud tops typically linked to strong storm activity; Darker regions reflect warmer surfaces or lower cloud formations. This technology plays a crucial role in tracking storm intensity, rainfall distribution, and atmospheric movement, even during nighttime.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-govt-seeks-aadhar-app-on-new-devices-uidai-says-move-will-improve-access-1774008001932/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-govt-seeks-aadhar-app-on-new-devices-uidai-says-move-will-improve-access-1774008001932/embed</a><h2>Weather outlook for March 20</h2>For North India, including Delhi-NCR, forecasts suggest:<ul><li>Predominantly cloudy skies throughout the day</li><li>Light rain during the morning hours</li><li>Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms later in the day</li><li>Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph in the afternoon and evening</li></ul>Meteorologists warn that the next 6–8 hours are particularly critical, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected before conditions improve by evening.

Satellite images show widespread clouds as Western disturbance triggers rain across North India

India remained under a blanket of dense cloud cover on Friday (March 20) as satellite imagery revealed the widespread influence of an active Western disturbance affecting northern and central regions of the country. The images showed a thick cloud band stretching across North India, highlighting significant atmospheric instability and active weather systems dominating the region. Western disturbance triggers widespread rain According to the India Meteorological Department, the current weather pattern is being driven by a strong Western disturbance positioned over North Punjab and nearby areas. This system is interacting with cyclonic circulations over Haryana as well as parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Supported by a well-defined trough line, these conditions have led to moderate to heavy rainfall across several parts of North India. Additionally, another Western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India starting March 22, which may further alter weather patterns in the coming days. Although North India remains the most affected, satellite observations show cloud activity spreading across central and eastern regions, with rainfall expected to gradually shift eastward. Also Read: Delhi logs wettest March in three years; AQI at 123 after rain

Western Disturbance brings dense clouds, rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across North India; IMD warns of intense weather over the next few hours

Delhi and its surrounding areas may witness rain with the start of the month of February as two western disturbances are expected to arrive one after the other.

Delhi may witness rains in early February due to western disturbances

A day after parts of Delhi recorded an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013"> all-time high of 48 degrees Celsius</a>, the region in and around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-from-heat-as-delhi-sizzles-at-46-degree-celsius-226143">national capital </a>witnessed a change in the weather on Tuesday.

Many places in and around the city experienced strong winds and light rainfall today.

Delhi- NCR is expected to get respite from the scorching heat in the coming days as the India Meteorological Department&nbsp;has predicted slight rainfall for the next three days.

IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava said that due to the rains the temperature is expected to remain below 45 degrees with no heat wave.

He also hopes that the heat wave may not strike Delhi-NCR after mid-June as the temperature usually remains static following June 15.

Delhi including entire north-western India is expected to see thunderstorm and light rainfall. Rajasthan and other places may also not experience the heat wave, he added.

The change in the weather is due to the effects of western disturbances and cyclone, Srivastava added.

Cyclone wind will hit Gujarat coast on Wednesday following which the region may witness heavy rains and strong winds.

The cyclone&nbsp;may reduce the effect of monsoon winds for the next 3-4 days due to which Delhi may receive its first monsoon shower in the first week of July.

A day after parts of Delhi recorded an all-time high of 48 degrees Celsius, the region in and around the national capital witnessed a change in the weather on Tuesday.

A day after parts of Delhi recorded an all-time high of 48 degrees Celsius, the region in and around the national capital witnessed a change in the weather on Tuesday. Many places in and around the city experienced strong winds and light rainfall today. Delhi- NCR is expected to get respite from the scorching heat in the coming days as the India Meteorological Department has predicted slight rainfall for the next three days. IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava said that due to the rains the temperature is expected to remain below 45 degrees with no heat wave. He also hopes that the heat wave may not strike Delhi-NCR after mid-June as the temperature usually remains static following June 15. Delhi including entire north-western India is expected to see thunderstorm and light rainfall. Rajasthan and other places may also not experience the heat wave, he added. The change in the weather is due to the effects of western disturbances and cyclone, Srivastava added. Cyclone wind will hit Gujarat coast on Wednesday following which the region may witness heavy rains and strong winds. The cyclone may reduce the effect of monsoon winds for the next 3-4 days due to which Delhi may receive its first monsoon shower in the first week of July.

Delhi-NCR may get respite from scorching heat in coming days: IMD

Delhi on Friday woke up to a cold morning with partly cloudy sky, with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 8 Degree Celsius and 24 Degree Celsius.

The pollution remains in the 'moderate'&nbsp;category with Air Quality Index docking at 132 in the morning.

Relative humidity at 8:30 in the morning was 97 per cent.

"Now for another 24 to 48 hours, in the absence of any significant weather system, the weather over Delhi-NCR will remain dry with the clear sky and bright sunshine. However, on March 2, another fresh Western Disturbance will approach the northern hills which will once again induce a cyclonic circulation over the northwestern plains. A trough will also extend from circulation up to South Uttar Pradesh," said Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency.

"This trough will be responsible for giving scattered rain and thundershowers over Delhi-NCR on March 2 and 3. Thereafter, the weather systems will once again weaken and move eastwards, leading to commencement of dry and cold northwesterly winds," it added.&nbsp;

Delhi on Friday woke up to a cold morning with partly cloudy sky, with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 8 Degree Celsius and 24 Degree Celsius. The pollution remains in the 'moderate' category with Air Quality Index docking at 132 in the morning.

Delhi on Friday woke up to a cold morning with partly cloudy sky, with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 8 Degree Celsius and 24 Degree Celsius. The pollution remains in the 'moderate' category with Air Quality Index docking at 132 in the morning. Relative humidity at 8:30 in the morning was 97 per cent. "Now for another 24 to 48 hours, in the absence of any significant weather system, the weather over Delhi-NCR will remain dry with the clear sky and bright sunshine. However, on March 2, another fresh Western Disturbance will approach the northern hills which will once again induce a cyclonic circulation over the northwestern plains. A trough will also extend from circulation up to South Uttar Pradesh," said Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency. "This trough will be responsible for giving scattered rain and thundershowers over Delhi-NCR on March 2 and 3. Thereafter, the weather systems will once again weaken and move eastwards, leading to commencement of dry and cold northwesterly winds," it added.

Delhi: Rains to begin from March 2

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today.

"The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said.

"Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said.

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation.

It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent.

After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said.

Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.&nbsp;

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today. "The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said. "Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said. Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation. It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent. After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said. Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.

North India likely to experience rains due to western disturbance: IMD