Gurgaon Witnesses Sharp Temperature Drop Amid Rainfall and Gusty Winds
On Friday, Gurgaon experienced a notable shift in weather conditions as light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds swept through the city. This meteorological event led to a significant decrease in temperatures, marking a rare occurrence for the region in late March.
Temperature Details and Comparisons
The minimum temperature in Gurgaon plummeted to 16 degrees Celsius, representing a 2-degree dip from Thursday's reading of 18.3°C. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature stood at 21.1°C, which is 3.6 degrees lower than the previous day's maximum. Across the state of Haryana, the average minimum temperature decreased by 1.2°C compared to the prior day, approaching normal levels for this time of year. The lowest minimum temperature recorded in the state was 14.3°C at Sonipat.
Expert Analysis on the Unusual Cold Spell
Independent weather expert Navdeep Dhaiya characterized this as a "very rare cold day" for north India in late March. He noted that maximum temperatures across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and west Uttar Pradesh are likely to remain in the range of 15-19°C. This range is approximately 10-15°C below normal for the season, highlighting the unusual nature of this weather pattern.
Weather Systems Driving the Change
The shift in weather has been primarily driven by an active western disturbance and an associated cyclonic circulation over the region. These systems have not only brought rain and cooler temperatures to the plains but have also triggered heavy snowfall in higher altitude areas. For instance, Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh has experienced significant snowfall as a result of these weather phenomena.
Rainfall Measurements Across the Region
In the past 24 hours, Gurgaon recorded 6.5mm of rainfall. Other areas in the region saw more substantial precipitation, with Rohtak logging 22.4mm and Narnaul receiving 12.5mm of rain. These measurements underscore the widespread nature of the weather event affecting multiple locations.
Weather Forecast for Coming Days
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather is expected to remain dry on March 21, 22, and 24. However, isolated rain is anticipated to return on March 23, 25, and 26. This forecast suggests that while the immediate heavy rainfall may subside, the region should prepare for intermittent showers in the coming days as the weather systems continue to influence local conditions.
