Hills have largely remained barren and plains also nearly parched this winter season. However, jinx is likely to break soon and simultaneous weather activity for the mountains and meadows can be expected. All four mountain states, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand and subdivisions of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, North Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh are coming up for decent spells of snow and rain, respectively.
Back-to-back western disturbances are likely to move across the mountains. Auxiliary cyclonic circulation in the plains will complement the main system, in tandem, to have a decent, much-awaited wet spell of rain and snow over North India. Mid and higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir have witnessed light rain and snow over the last weekend also. But, it was a mild spell and not adequate enough to stack the snow. The upcoming march of western disturbances, one after the other, will suffice to provide a blanket of snow, fairly thick, across all the mountain ranges.
The first western disturbance will impact the weather conditions in the mountains between 30th Jan and 01st February 2024. Close on heels, the 2nd one will chase the area between 03rd& 04th February. A prolonged spell of snow and rain will smash the entire Himalayan belt, practically without a break from 30th Jan to 05th Feb 2024.
Popular destinations like Srinagar, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Manali, and Auli may have their first snowfall of the season. Even Mussorie and Nainital stand a chance to witness flakes of snow along with rain and thundershowers. Mid and higher reaches of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Lahaul Spiti, Kufri, Kedarnath and Badrinath will observe moderate to heavy spells of snow during this period. While it may attract a lot of visitors and enthusiasts, the inclement weather may cause disruption in normal life, impairing connectivity.
Plains of Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh will have rain and thundershowers, commencing 31stJan and last till 04thFeb, with short break in between on 02nd Feb. Foothills of Jammu & Kashmir covering Jammu, Udhampur, Katra, Samba, Kathua, Riasi will observe moderate to heavy spell during this period. The national capital Delhi will have rain and thundershowers on 31st Jan & 01st Feb and yet another bout between 03rd & 04th February. Few places over northern plains may witness hailstorm activity, the first of this season.
A twist in the weather conditions in the coming days will modify the winter chill, currently smashing all these parts. While the days will become cold and gloomy on account of clouds and rains, the mercury levels may lift a bit at night by restricting the escape of radiation. The broad clearance anticipated not before 5th Feb will usher in a fresh spate of inclement cold and fog, derailing normal life.
Image Credit: ndtvimg
