UP weather: Fog, drizzle likely as rare March pattern returns

March 11, 2026

Weather conditions across Uttar Pradesh have taken an unusual turn this March as humid easterly winds brought haze and fog across several districts. According to meteorologists, this type of weather pattern has appeared in March after nearly 18 years, surprising residents and affecting visibility in many areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted light drizzle in some parts of the state around mid-March, as a western disturbance may become active in northern India.

Dense fog covers several districts

On Wednesday morning, dense fog was reported in several cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Saharanpur and Moradabad. Visibility dropped significantly in many places, causing inconvenience for commuters and slowing down traffic.

In some areas the visibility fell sharply. Reports indicated that it dropped to around 30 metres in Prayagraj, 50 metres in Amethi, 100 metres in Meerut and around 500 metres in Varanasi.

The sudden fog in March has surprised residents because the winter fog season usually ends by February in most parts of the state.

Humid easterly winds behind the weather change

Meteorologists explained that the unusual weather is mainly due to moist easterly winds (known as ‘Purvaiya’) carrying humidity across the region.

According to senior scientist Atul Kumar Singh from the regional meteorological centre, the moisture-laden winds combined with dust particles trapped in the atmosphere have created haze and fog conditions in many districts.

These conditions have reduced visibility and created cloudy skies across several parts of the state.

Light rain expected after March 14

Weather experts have also predicted that the situation may change further in the coming days. A western disturbance is expected to become active around March 14, which may bring light to moderate rainfall in the Terai and eastern parts of the state on March 15 and 16.

If rainfall occurs, it could temporarily reduce temperatures and provide relief from the rising heat in some districts.

Temperatures rising across the state

Even though fog and haze have been observed, temperatures in many parts of Uttar Pradesh remain higher than normal.

Recent data shows that several districts have recorded unusually high temperatures for early March. For example, Banda recorded a maximum temperature of about 38.6°C, while cities like Agra and Jhansi touched around 37.5°C.

Meteorologists say such conditions occur when humidity, weak winds and atmospheric dust trap heat near the ground.

Similar weather last seen in 2008

Experts said that such a combination of humid winds, haze and fog in March was last seen around 2008, making this year’s weather pattern unusual but not unprecedented.

Usually, March in Uttar Pradesh marks the beginning of warmer and clearer weather as winter ends. However, this year fluctuating temperatures and unusual atmospheric conditions have created mixed weather patterns.

Advisory for residents

Weather officials have advised residents and drivers to remain cautious during early morning hours due to reduced visibility caused by fog. Farmers are also monitoring the situation closely because sudden drizzle or humidity can affect standing crops.

Meteorologists will continue to monitor atmospheric systems over north India, as further changes in weather may occur during the second half of March.