Weather Today [21 March 2026]: Check IMD Forecast, Snow & Rain Predictions for Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jammu Kashmir, Ahmedabad, Punjab, Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh

Weather Today (21 March 2026): The weather across India today is being influenced by a rare and powerful Western Disturbance that has created a highly unstable atmosphere. This system features a massive, linear structure—a 1,000-km “rain band” stretching from Afghanistan through Pakistan and deep into the Indian heartland. While northern hills continue to see light snow, parts of central and southern India are experiencing a gradual decrease in temperatures after an early March heatwave.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), successive Western Disturbances are interacting with local weather systems, creating a pronounced trough line that is triggering sudden rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across various states.

Will it Rain or Snow in the Hills?

A fresh Western Disturbance is actively affecting the Western Himalayas, bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall to the higher reaches. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to witness scattered precipitation today. Higher altitudes in these regions may experience temporary road disruptions due to snowfall. The plains, however, will remain largely undisturbed by this system.

Why is There Weather Change Across Parts of the Country?

The recent weather change across India on 21 March 2026 is primarily driven by several meteorological factors:

• Western Disturbances & Troughs: Successive Western Disturbances are interacting with local weather systems, creating a pronounced trough line (a narrow zone of low pressure) that triggers sudden rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.
• Rare Jet Stream Overlap: A rare confluence of two powerful jet streams is occurring simultaneously. The northern jet stream is injecting energy and instability over North India, while the southern jet stream interacts with moisture over the peninsula, leading to unusual pre-monsoon activity.
• Cyclonic Circulations: An induced cyclonic circulation over Haryana and multiple troughs across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are further destabilizing the region.
• Climate Volatility: Meteorologists note that these “wild U-turns”—from extreme early-March heat (4–7°C above normal) to sudden hailstorms—are symptoms of a disappearing spring and broader climate shifts.
• Seasonal Transition: The country is moving from a weak La Niña phase toward ENSO-neutral conditions, which can lead to more variable and unpredictable weather patterns during the March–April transition.

Delhi NCR Weather Today (Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad)

Minimum: 17°C to 19°C | Maximum: 32°C to 34°C

The national capital region will experience partly cloudy skies with pleasant temperatures. There is a chance of light rain or drizzle during the night. Light winds from the northwest are expected during the afternoon. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is likely to remain in the “Moderate” range due to steady air conditions.

Mumbai Weather Today

Minimum: ~24°C | Maximum: ~34°C

Mumbai will witness stable coastal weather with high humidity. Moderate sea winds are expected to blow throughout the day. The IMD has indicated that “hot and humid” conditions will persist in the city and its suburbs, with the high moisture content in the air being a key factor.

Chennai Weather Today

Minimum: 25°C to 26°C | Maximum: 37°C to 38°C

Chennai is set for a largely warm and humid day with no major rainfall expected. Despite the sea breeze offering slight moderation, the combination of warmth and humidity will make conditions feel quite uncomfortable, especially during the afternoon.

Karnataka Weather Today

Minimum: 18°C to 22°C | Maximum: 31°C to 35°C

Karnataka will see generally pleasant mornings with warmer afternoons. Isolated light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are possible in Interior Karnataka, including areas around Kalaburagi and Vijayapura. Coastal Karnataka may experience some humidity but with slightly moderated daytime temperatures.

Rajasthan Weather Today

Minimum: 21°C to 24°C | Maximum: 38°C to 41°C

Rajasthan is experiencing clear skies and rising daytime heat. West Rajasthan may see light winds, while East Rajasthan could experience isolated thunderstorms. Hot winds are likely to prevail during the daytime. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for isolated pockets in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions bordering Rajasthan.

Uttar Pradesh Weather Today

Minimum: 18°C to 22°C | Maximum: 34°C to 39°C

Dry heat is intensifying across Uttar Pradesh, marking early summer conditions. The maximum temperature can reach up to 39°C in cities like Kanpur and Lucknow. East Uttar Pradesh may still see scattered rain or thunderstorm activity today due to the lingering influence of the weather system.

Punjab Weather Today

Minimum: 16°C to 18°C | Maximum: 29°C to 32°C

Punjab will remain mild and partly cloudy with cooler evenings. Daytime temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal, with clear skies dominating the forecast. The evenings may offer some relief.

Hyderabad Weather Today

Minimum: ~21°C | Maximum: ~36°C

Hyderabad will see partly cloudy skies with rising temperatures. The afternoons are expected to be particularly hot, though the nights may offer slight relief. No significant rainfall is anticipated in the city today.

Ahmedabad Weather Today

Minimum: 21°C to 23°C | Maximum: 38°C to 41°C

Ahmedabad and the wider Gujarat region are bracing for dry and hot conditions with noticeable wind activity. According to the IMD, temperatures are expected to rise, with heatwave conditions forming in portions of the state by the late afternoon.

Jammu and Kashmir Weather Today

Minimum: 4°C to 9°C (Valley) | Maximum: 16°C to 18°C

Light rain or snowfall continues in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, accompanied by strong winds and cold conditions. The valley of Srinagar will see cold mornings, and a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to bring isolated rain and snowfall to the higher reaches from late afternoon onwards. This may lead to temporary disruptions in high-altitude areas.

IMD Safety Advisory

Due to the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds in various states, the IMD suggests:

• Stay indoors and close windows during storms
• Avoid taking shelter under trees or near electrical objects
• Unplug electronic appliances if lightning is present
• Travelers in the Western Himalayas should be prepared for potential road disruptions
• In heatwave-affected areas, stay hydrated and avoid peak afternoon sun

City-Wise Sunset & Sunrise Timing Today (21 March 2026)

On 21 March 2026, sunrise across major Indian cities occurs between 6:07 AM and 6:44 AM, while sunset ranges from 6:15 PM to 6:50 PM. Most cities are experiencing roughly 12 hours and 6 minutes of daylight as we approach the spring equinox.

Key Observations

• Day Length: Most cities are experiencing roughly 12 hours and 6 minutes of daylight as we approach the spring equinox.
• Golden Hour: For photographers, the morning golden hour in major metros like Delhi ends around 6:58 AM, and the evening golden hour typically begins near 6:02 PM.
• Civil Twilight: In most regions, civil twilight lasts for approximately 20–25 minutes after sunset, after which artificial lighting is generally required for outdoor activities.

FAQs: Weather Today Update

Q. Are there any travel or safety warnings?

A. Travelers in the Western Himalayas, especially in high-altitude areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, should be prepared for potential road disruptions due to fresh snowfall. In the plains, authorities advise staying hydrated and avoiding peak afternoon sun, especially in heatwave-affected regions.

Q. Will temperatures rise across the country?

A. While northern and central India are experiencing a gradual decrease in temperatures after the early March heatwave, western India—particularly Gujarat and Rajasthan—continues to see rising temperatures with heatwave conditions.

Q. Will there be any rain today?

A. Yes, isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in East Uttar Pradesh, Interior Karnataka, and parts of Rajasthan. Light rain or drizzle is also possible in Delhi NCR during the night. Widespread rainfall is not expected in most plains.

Q. Where will it snow today?

A. Light to moderate snowfall is possible in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Q. Is a heatwave expected soon?

A. Yes, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Gujarat (Saurashtra & Kutch) and Rajasthan. Other parts of western India are also approaching heatwave thresholds.

Disclaimer: Weather forecasts are for guidance only. Conditions may change rapidly. Always check local authorities for emergencies and travel alerts.