New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department has issued a comprehensive weather warning for North and Central India, forecasting significant rainfall and snowfall due to multiple western disturbance systems approaching the region. The weather patterns are expected to impact various states from January 31 through February 7, bringing substantial changes to temperature and visibility conditions across several regions.
Multiple Western Disturbances Forecasted
The IMD has identified three separate western disturbance systems that will sequentially affect North India over the coming week. The first two western disturbance occurrences will arrive in quick succession, bringing light to moderate rainfall and snowfall across the Western Himalayan region. These systems will simultaneously cause light to moderate rainfall over Northwest and Central India during the period from January 31 to February 3.
Following a brief intermission, a third western disturbance is expected to impact Northwestern India during February 5-7. This systematic progression of weather systems indicates a sustained period of unsettled weather conditions across the northern parts of the country, requiring residents and authorities to prepare for extended rainfall and potential disruptions.
Impact on Western Himalayan Region
The Western Himalayan region is expected to bear the brunt of the first western disturbance with both rainfall and snowfall predicted. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad during January 31 to February 2. These conditions will significantly impact high-altitude areas and mountain passes.
Himachal Pradesh will experience similar weather patterns, with rain likely on February 1. The western disturbance will bring much-needed precipitation to these regions, though it may also create challenges for transportation and outdoor activities in mountainous terrain.
Northwest India Weather Forecast
Northwestern states will face considerable weather changes due to the western disturbance systems. Punjab and Haryana are expected to receive rainfall on February 1, while Chandigarh will also experience similar conditions during this period. The western disturbance will bring relief from dry winter conditions but may also cause temporary disruptions to daily activities.
East Rajasthan will experience dense fog conditions until February 1, adding to the complexity of weather patterns in the region. The combination of rainfall and reduced visibility will require extra caution for commuters and travelers across these states.
Central India Rainfall Predictions
Central India will not remain untouched by the western disturbance effects. Isolated light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for East Uttar Pradesh on February 2. The weather system will extend its influence to East Madhya Pradesh on February 2 and 3, bringing similar conditions of isolated light rainfall with thunderstorm activity.
These precipitation events, though isolated, will contribute to the overall moisture levels in the region and may provide some respite from winter dryness. The western disturbance influence will create scattered weather activity across Central India’s landscape.
Dense Fog Warning Issued
Beyond rainfall, the IMD has issued specific warnings regarding dense fog conditions that will accompany the western disturbance systems. Dense fog is likely during morning hours in isolated pockets over Northwest and adjoining Central India until February 1. This will significantly impact visibility and create hazardous conditions for surface transportation.
Specific areas expected to experience dense fog include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and East Rajasthan. The fog conditions will persist until February 1, requiring motorists to exercise extreme caution during early morning travel. The combination of the western disturbance bringing moisture and existing cold conditions creates ideal circumstances for fog formation.
Temperature Fluctuations Expected
Delhi experienced a brief respite from cold temperatures on Friday, with the maximum temperature rising to 22.6 degrees Celsius, marginally above the seasonal average. However, this relief is expected to be short-lived as the western disturbance systems bring colder conditions back to the region.
The IMD predicts a return to cold weather and dense fog in several parts of the country, suggesting that the temporary temperature increase was merely an interlude before the next weather system’s arrival. Residents should prepare for renewed cold conditions following the passage of each western disturbance.
Thunderstorm and Wind Warnings
The western disturbance will not only bring precipitation but also potentially severe weather conditions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected across Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad during January 31 to February 2. Lightning activity is predicted over East Uttar Pradesh on February 2 and East Madhya Pradesh on February 2 and 3.
These accompanying weather phenomena add another layer of complexity to the overall forecast, requiring residents to remain vigilant and prepared for sudden weather changes. The western disturbance systems will create dynamic atmospheric conditions conducive to thunderstorm development.
Preparation and Safety Measures
With the sequential arrival of three western disturbance systems over a week-long period, authorities and residents should prepare adequately. The extended forecast period allows sufficient time for necessary preparations, including securing outdoor items, planning travel around weather events, and ensuring emergency supplies are available.
The comprehensive nature of this western disturbance forecast demonstrates the IMD’s commitment to providing advance warning for significant weather events, enabling better preparedness across affected regions.
