First active western disturbance is approaching soon to lash the complete range of northern hilly states with rain and snow between 13th and 16th November. The system will cause fairly widespread moderate activity across the region and few heavy spell are expected over Kashmir valley on 14th and 15th November. The passage of the weather system will trigger a change in the wintery conditions over hills and plains as well.
Prior to this, few parts of Himachal Pradesh including Lahaul Valley had received unexpected snowfall on 02nd November. About 20cm snow fell at Rohtang Pass, 30cm at Baralacha Pass and north portal of tunnel received 15cm snow. This also resulted in the closure of Manali- Leh highway first time in this season. This spell also is likely to result in disruption of road connectivity on 14th and 15th November. While snowfall is expected over mid and higher reaches, the lower reaches will witness moderate rainfall.
Last year, the first snowfall in Srinagar, Awantipore, Pahalgam and Gulmarg was witnessed on 06th November. Also, the snowfall was experienced in Manali, Lahaul - Spiti, Rohtang, Gangotri and Yamunotri leading to the closure of national highway and disruption of flights. The first heavy snowfall in Shimla was received on 27th November 2019.
Northern hilly states have largely remained devoid of any significant weather activity. The seasonal deficiency since 01st October is 97% for Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, 79% for Himachal Pradesh and 99% for the state of Uttarakhand. Complete North India awaits wet spell to set the pace of typical winters. The upcoming prolonged spell will bring winds of change, both for the hills and plains as well.
