March has brought a significant chill in northern India, attributed to a robust western disturbance affecting both hill and plain regions. In the last 24 hours, continuous snowfall has been reported in the hilly areas while the plains have experienced light rain and hail, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperatures. The afternoon temperatures across various parts of northern India have ranged from 13 to 19 degrees Celsius, which is lower than typical maximum temperatures experienced during winter.

The meteorological department had anticipated a rise in temperatures after the second week of March; however, the active western disturbance that started around March 15 disrupted these expectations, leading to a change in weather patterns. Predictions suggest the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, with rainfall expected across the western Himalayan region and the northwestern plains of India until March 20.

Given this break from the rising temperatures, the cooler weather observed in places like Delhi and NCR, where afternoon highs reached 19 degrees Celsius, resembles typical late January or early February patterns rather than the expected March climate. This development marks a notable shift in weather dynamics in the region, and the implications of continual rainfall and cooler weather may influence local agriculture and daily life in the affected areas over the coming week.