Weather Shift in Northwest India: Plains heat up, snowfall continues in hills

Northwest India is witnessing contrasting weather patterns, with snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, while plains in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan experience rising temperatures. Srinagar recorded over 20°C, significantly above normal.

Post Published By: Sona Saini
Updated : 23 February 2026, 7:35 AM IST
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New Delhi: The weather in northwest India has taken another turn. Rain and snowfall were recorded in the high peaks of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, while rising temperatures in the plains have increased the feeling of heat. Daytime temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir have reached well above normal. Mercury is expected to rise further this week in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Snowfall in Rohtang and Pithoragarh

Light snowfall occurred at the 13,050-foot-high Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. Rain was also recorded in the lower reaches of Kullu. According to the Meteorological Department, light rain or snowfall is expected at one or two places in the higher mountainous regions, while the weather is expected to remain dry in most areas until February 28.

Meanwhile, snowfall in the Himalayan peaks, Gunji, and Darma valleys in Pithoragarh has increased the cold. However, sunshine in the lower areas has brought pleasant weather.

Temperatures Rise in Rajasthan and Kashmir

Dry weather in Rajasthan is causing a steady increase in maximum temperatures. The Meteorological Department has predicted an increase of 2-3 degrees Celsius in the minimum and maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.7 degrees Celsius, about 9.7 degrees above normal. The temperature in Qazigund also reached 21.5 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall Expected in Northeast and Eastern India

According to the Meteorological Department, due to the influence of a low pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal, light rain and thundershowers are likely in Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Telangana. Winds of up to 30-40 kmph and lightning are also possible in some areas. Rainfall is also expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between February 23 and 26.

Storm in Dibrugarh, Flight Diverted

An Indigo flight from Ahmedabad was diverted to Imphal due to a severe dust storm in Dibrugarh, Assam. This decision was taken to ensure a safe landing due to poor visibility.

Overall, while the plains in North-West India are experiencing heat, the mountainous regions are witnessing a different colour to the weather due to snowfall.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 23 February 2026, 7:35 AM IST

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