India: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least March 31

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern India through at least March 31. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a press release warning of rainfall and thunderstorms over the Western Himalayan Region and the adjoining northwestern plains March 27-31, with the peak of the severe weather expected March 29-30. Storms may be accompanied by lightning, strong winds, and hailstorms. Heavy snowfall is possible in elevated areas of far northern India. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in mountainous areas due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

The IMD has issued the following severe weather warnings across the affected area March 27-31:

March 27

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, western Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.

March 28

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Punjab.

• Yellow hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh.

March 29

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, and hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.

• Yellow hailstorm warnings: Uttarakhand.

March 30

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, and hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Punjab, eastern Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

• Yellow hailstorm warnings: Uttarakhand.

March 31

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

• Yellow hailstorm warnings: Uttarakhand.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Where precipitation falls as snow in higher elevations, wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Accumulations of snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.