Chandigarh, March 30: Unseasonal snowfall and widespread rain continued to sweep across North India on Sunday, signaling a gradual and turbulent transition into the spring season. The meteorological centre in Shimla has issued an orange alert for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, warning of hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph.
The persistent wet spell, influenced by an approaching western disturbance, is expected to impact the northwest region until at least April 4. In the higher reaches of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti, fresh snowfall was recorded, while the southern portal of the Atal Tunnel near Manali drew tourists eager to witness the lingering winter conditions.
“The weather pattern shows a slow transition into spring, marked by fluctuating temperatures and continued precipitation,” a department official stated.
In the plains, Punjab and Haryana reported a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures following intermittent showers. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 27.3°C, which remains significantly lower than the seasonal average. While the rain has provided a respite from the typical onset of heat, it has raised alarms within the agricultural community. Farmers affirmed that strong winds and unseasonal precipitation could potentially damage standing wheat crops during this critical harvest period.
Further south, the India Meteorological Department forecast thunderstorms for New Delhi, where temperatures hovered around 30°C. Despite the official arrival of the new season, the regional atmosphere maintains a wintry grip, with Tabo remaining among the coldest locations in the hills.
