New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department has issued a significant weather advisory warning of a fresh Western Disturbance approaching the Himalayan region from Saturday, with expectations of heavy rainfall and snowfall beginning Sunday, February 1. This Western Disturbance is expected to impact weather patterns across North India and adjoining central regions.
Fresh Western Disturbance Approaching
The IMD warned on Tuesday that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the Western Himalayan region from January 31 to February 2, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and snowfall on February 1. This Western Disturbance system represents a significant weather event that will bring moisture-laden winds to the region.
According to the advisory, the Western Disturbance will cause light to moderate rainfall over plains of northwest India and adjoining central India from January 31 to February 2. This Western Disturbance event is expected to provide much-needed precipitation to several states experiencing dry winter conditions.
Impact on Northwest and Central India
The Western Disturbance is forecast to bring light to moderate rainfall over Northwest India and adjoining parts of central India starting Saturday. This Western Disturbance activity will mark a change from the predominantly dry weather that has characterized recent weeks in these regions.
The weather system associated with this Western Disturbance will affect multiple states across North India, bringing varied precipitation depending on elevation and geographic location. Plains areas will experience rainfall while higher elevations will see snowfall from this Western Disturbance.
Dense Fog Conditions Continue
Alongside the approaching Western Disturbance, dense fog conditions are likely to occur in isolated pockets over northwest India and adjoining central India and parts of East India until Monday, February 2. These fog conditions, combined with the Western Disturbance, will create challenging weather conditions for transportation and daily activities.
The persistence of fog even as the Western Disturbance approaches indicates complex atmospheric conditions across the region, requiring vigilance from residents and authorities.
Delhi Weather Forecast
Delhi is expected to continue experiencing partly cloudy skies with several places seeing shallow to moderate fog, conditions that may be influenced by the approaching Western Disturbance. Maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are likely to range between 17°C to 19°C and 6°C to 8°C respectively during this period.
On Friday, the national capital is set to witness cloudy skies with shallow fog, with maximum and minimum temperatures ranging between 20°C and 7°C. However, the city is likely to see a spell of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorm and gusty winds on Saturday as the Western Disturbance begins affecting the region.
Cold Conditions in Himachal Pradesh
The IMD predicted cold day to severe cold day conditions in parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, even before the West Disturbance arrival. The state is expected to receive significant snowfall once the West Disturbance becomes active over the Himalayan region.
Isolated hailstorm activity was recorded over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, central Maharashtra, and Delhi during the past 24 hours, indicating pre-Western Disturbance atmospheric instability.
Additional Western Disturbance Expected
The advisory indicated that beyond the February 1-2 Western Disturbance, another fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 30 onwards. This suggests a pattern of multiple West Disturbance systems affecting the region in quick succession.
These successive West Disturbance events could bring prolonged periods of unsettled weather across North India, with implications for agriculture, transportation, and daily life.
Wet Weather in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan witnessed wet weather on Wednesday, possibly influenced by preliminary effects of the approaching West Disturbance system. Several places experienced an uptick in minimum temperatures in northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Parts of eastern Rajasthan experienced light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am Wednesday. This precipitation pattern may intensify as the main West Disturbance system approaches.
Heavy Snowfall Expected in Himalayan Region
This Disturbance is particularly significant for the Western Himalayan region, where heavy snowfall is anticipated on February 1. This Western-induced snowfall will be crucial for the region’s water resources and winter tourism industry.
Mountain passes and higher elevation areas should prepare for substantial snow accumulation from this Disturbance, which may affect connectivity and require precautionary measures.
Temperature Fluctuations Ahead
The Disturbance is expected to cause temperature fluctuations across affected regions. Minimum temperatures may drop by up to 6°C in Delhi and surrounding areas as the Disturbance brings in cooler air masses along with precipitation.
These temperature variations associated with the Disturbance will create uncomfortable conditions, particularly when combined with rainfall and fog, requiring residents to take appropriate precautions.
Preparedness and Precautions
Authorities and residents should prepare for the Western impact by monitoring weather updates closely. The combination of rain, fog, and temperature drops associated with this Disturbance may create hazardous conditions for travel and outdoor activities.
Agricultural communities should take necessary measures to protect crops from the Western effects, while tourism operators in mountain regions should ensure safety protocols are in place for the expected heavy snowfall from this weather system.
