Weather patterns vary across India, with cooler mornings in the north and rain in parts of the south (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: After witnessing a few spells of rain during the first half of October, northern India is beginning to experience a gradual drop in temperatures. Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh are seeing a hint of winter, particularly during the early morning and evening hours. Meanwhile, snowfall in the hills has raised questions about how severe the winter season could be this year.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather is expected to prevail over Delhi-NCR in the coming days. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may hover around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18.6 degrees on October 18. From October 18 to 24, largely clear skies are expected across the northern plains with cooler mornings and evenings becoming more noticeable.
Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed snowfall and changing weather conditions. Popular destinations such as Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti remain in focus as temperatures fall in the mountains.
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Rajasthan may experience a gradual increase in morning and evening chill. However, snowfall in the hills does not automatically mean an immediate spell of severe cold across the plains.
The possible influence of El Niño on winter weather has also drawn attention. Global climate patterns can affect temperatures and precipitation, but it is too early to determine whether the upcoming winter will be milder than usual or bring more intense cold waves. Updated seasonal forecasts will offer a clearer picture.
Lower rainfall and weak winds during winter could also worsen air pollution in Delhi-NCR, making air quality an important concern alongside falling temperatures.
Eastern India, including West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha, may experience rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in some areas. Meanwhile, western India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, may see varying weather conditions, with warm temperatures and isolated rain in some locations.
While northern India is expected to remain largely dry, parts of southern India may receive rainfall due to the northeast monsoon. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh could experience spells of heavy rain in some areas.
For now, cooler mornings and evenings are likely across Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh, although the onset of severe winter conditions may take more time.
