Northwest and Central India are bracing for a period of unsettled weather, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast released Friday. A series of three western disturbances are expected to bring rainfall and snowfall to the region between January 31st and February 7th.
Impact on the Western Himalayas
The Western Himalayan region is anticipated to experience light to moderate rainfall or snowfall as a result of the first two disturbances. This precipitation is expected to begin on January 31st and continue through February 3rd.
Fog Conditions in Northwest India
In addition to the anticipated rainfall, dense fog is likely to persist in isolated pockets across northwest and adjoining central India until February 1st. Specifically, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and East Rajasthan are expected to be affected.
Rainfall Across North and Central India
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast for Northwest and Central India from January 31st to February 3rd. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, is predicted over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad during January 31st-February 2nd. Rain is also likely over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on February 1st.
Further Rainfall Expected
The third western disturbance is expected to bring additional rainfall to North-Western India between February 5th and 7th. Isolated light rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is also predicted for East Uttar Pradesh on February 2nd and East Madhya Pradesh on February 2nd and 3rd.
Delhi experienced a temporary increase in temperature on Friday, reaching 22.6 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average, according to PTI. However, the IMD indicates this warmer trend is likely to be short-lived, with colder weather and fog anticipated in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a western disturbance?
The report states that two western disturbances in quick succession will likely cause rainfall and snowfall, and a third will cause rainfall from February 5–7. The report does not define what a western disturbance is.
Which areas will experience snowfall?
The Western Himalayan region is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall or snowfall from January 31st to February 3rd.
How long will the dense fog conditions last?
Dense fog conditions are likely in isolated pockets over northwest and adjoining central India until February 1st.
How might these weather patterns impact travel and daily routines in the affected regions?
