Rajasthan and large parts of western and central India are expected to experience thunderstorms and hailstorms in the days leading up to Holi. The festival of colors will be celebrated nationwide on March 7 and 8. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms and hailstorms from Saturday to Wednesday due to two consecutive extra-tropical weather systems in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecasts isolated to scattered rainfall or snowfall in the western Himalayan Region on Saturday and Sunday. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are expected to experience light to moderate thunderstorms from March 4 to 8.

The weather office explained that a Western Disturbance as a trough in the middle tropospheric westerlies is moving along Longitude 62°E to the north of Latitude 20°N, with an induced circulation over north Gujarat in lower levels. Another weak Western Disturbance as a trough in the middle tropospheric westerlies is expected to impact northwest, west, and central India from March 7. Isolated light or moderate thunderstorm activity is also anticipated over south Haryana on Saturday and over West Rajasthan until Sunday. Similar weather conditions are forecasted for East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Marathwada, and Madhya Maharashtra until March 8. Strong surface winds with speeds ranging from 20-30 kmph are expected over the plains of northwest India in the next two days.