IMD Alert: What Will Weather Be Like In Your City On And After Holi?

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 13:55 IST

March begins with a blazing sun across India. IMD warns of prolonged heatwaves till May, with Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and parts of UP likely to reel

As the nation prepares to celebrate Holi, weather patterns have taken a sharp turn. Even before the festival begins, temperatures have surged across large parts of India, signalling an early and potentially intense summer.

Sudden Rise In Temperatures Before Holi

With the arrival of March, heat has intensified rapidly from Delhi to much of North India. On March 1, the temperature in Delhi-NCR touched 32°C, marking a noticeable spike. The early onset of strong sunshine has already begun troubling residents in several regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department, March is likely to be hotter than normal this year. February, too, was comparatively milder than usual, indicating that summer conditions may set in earlier and remain stronger.

More Heatwave Days Expected Between March And May

The IMD estimates that between March and May 2026, most parts of the country could witness a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days. In North and Central India, temperatures are expected to rise steadily.

Weather experts have indicated that in Uttar Pradesh, both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain above average, meaning not only warmer days but also comparatively warm nights.

Meanwhile, parts of the Northeast, southern states and hilly regions may experience rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. Some coastal and western states have also been warned about hot and humid conditions.

States Most Likely To Be Affected

The IMD has identified several regions at greater risk of heatwaves, including:

• Western Rajasthan
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Punjab
• South and East Maharashtra
• Eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Gangetic West Bengal
• Odisha
• Chhattisgarh
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Parts of North Karnataka and North Tamil Nadu

In many parts of northwest India, maximum temperatures over the coming days could be 4°C to 7°C above normal.

Western Disturbance To Bring Brief Change In Hills

From the night of March 4, a western disturbance is expected to influence the western Himalayan region. Between March 4 and 7, light to moderate rain and snowfall may occur in higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, possibly leading to a slight drop in temperatures there. Lower regions may experience cold winds.

In Uttarakhand’s hilly areas, similar light rainfall or snowfall may occur after March 4, while the plains are likely to remain dry with strong winds.

Delhi-NCR: Dry Weather And Rising Heat

Delhi is expected to experience dry conditions over the next seven days. The IMD has stated that there will be no major change in minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours, but thereafter they may rise by 2°C to 3°C, making nights feel warmer.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to remain well above normal throughout the week. Daytime wind speeds could range between 15 and 25 kmph, and on March 3, gusts may reach up to 35 kmph, potentially offering slight relief from the heat.

UP, Bihar And Jharkhand: Gradual Temperature Climb

In Uttar Pradesh, maximum temperatures in the plains may rise by 2°C to 5°C over the next five days, making daytime heat increasingly noticeable.

In Bihar and Jharkhand, temperatures are not expected to change significantly immediately, but a gradual rise in maximum temperatures is likely in the coming days. The IMD suggests these states could record temperatures 3°C to 5°C above normal. Rainfall is unlikely, though daytime heat combined with mild night-time humidity may cause discomfort.

Hot And Humid Warning For Western Coast

The IMD has also issued a warning for hot and humid conditions in parts of Konkan-Goa and Gujarat between March 4 and 7, adding to concerns about early summer stress.

Health And Infrastructure Concerns

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra has cautioned that prolonged heatwaves during March, April and May could pose serious health risks. Extended spells of heat may affect water availability, increase electricity demand and put pressure on essential services.

Elderly individuals, children, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions have been advised to take extra precautions as the early signs of intense summer begin to strengthen across the country.

Read More