Western Disturbance Brings Rainfall and Unstable Weather Conditions to Northern and Central India

India appeared largely shrouded under dense cloud cover on Friday, with satellite imagery capturing the widespread impact of an active Western Disturbance sweeping across northern and central parts of the country. The images show a thick band of clouds stretching across North India, indicating large-scale atmospheric instability and active weather systems influencing the region. According to IMD, the current conditions are being driven by a strong Western Disturbance over North Punjab and adjoining areas, combined with cyclonic circulations over Haryana and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This system, supported by a pronounced trough line, has resulted in moderate to intense spells of rainfall, particularly across North India. A fresh Western Disturbance is also expected to impact northwest India from March 22, which could bring further fluctuations in weather conditions. While North India remains the most affected, satellite observations also indicate cloud activity extending across Central and Eastern India, with rain likely to shift eastward in the coming days. Satellite-based infrared analysis indicates moderate to very intense convective activity over several regions, including: Cloud-top temperature data shows high vertical cloud growth, a key indicator of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall potential. The infrared (IR-1) satellite channel helps track cloud and surface temperatures. In these images: This data is crucial for tracking storm intensity, rainfall patterns and atmospheric movement, even during night-time. For North India, including Delhi-NCR, the forecast suggests: Weather experts have also said the next 6–8 hours are critical, with moderate to intense rainfall likely before conditions improve by evening.