Chandigarh/New Delhi: Weather patterns across North India have taken a contrasting turn, with parts of Punjab and Haryana receiving light rainfall due to a western disturbance, while Delhi and several regions of Uttar Pradesh are experiencing an early spell of heat.
Light rain and drizzle were reported in several districts of Punjab since morning, bringing temporary relief from rising temperatures. Gurugram and adjoining areas also witnessed scattered showers under the influence of the western disturbance. The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for these regions, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.
Meteorologists have forecast that over the next 24 to 48 hours, the Delhi NCR may witness dust storms and isolated rainfall, which could offer short-term respite from the increasing heat. However, temperatures are expected to rise again after the brief spell. Low wind speeds have also kept pollution levels in the ‘poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index ranging between 200 and 300 in parts of the capital.
While Punjab enjoys relatively cooler conditions due to rain, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are witnessing temperatures 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. In Delhi, maximum temperatures have climbed between 26°C and 29°C — unusually high for February.
Cities in Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Noida are also experiencing strong sunshine and warmer afternoons, indicating an early onset of summer-like conditions in the region.
