Two successive Western Disturbances have given very good rainfall over the hills of North India in the last few days. Landslides, water inundation, and mudslides have been reported in all the three hilly states of India. Rivers across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have been flowing close to the danger mark and as many as 10 deaths have been reported so far.
Tourism industry in this part of the country has also taken a beating as most people are now avoiding a trip to the hills. Water has entered both shops and houses in several parts of the region as mud and dirt continue to add to the debris. The annual Amarnath Yatra has also been stopped due to unfavorable weather conditions.
During last 24 hours, (from 8:30 am on Sunday) in Jammu and Kashmir, Banihal received 52 mm of rain, Batote 45 mm, Kokernag 30 mm, and Pahalgam 19 mm. Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand also received moderate to good rainfall in the last 24 hours. In Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala recorded 11 mm rainfall and Shimla received 12 mm rain. Whereas in Uttarakhand, Nainital recorded 26 mm rainfall and Pantnagar received 28 mm of rain.
But weather in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is expected to improve by today, July 13. Whereas weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to improve by July 14 only. Even then, isolated light rain with partly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail for the next 3 days. The forecast for the next two days is somewhat encouraging for several pilgrims and tourists who are stuck in the hilly states due to incessant heavy rainfall in the region.
But another Western Disturbance (WD) which is currently over Afghanistan and adjoining Pakistan region is expected to arrive in India by July 16. Moreover, the axis of Monsoon trough which is currently moving towards the foothills, will also get activated at the same time. As a result, rain will return to the hilly states of North India, most probably from July 16 evening. The intensity of rain will then increase on July 17 and 18. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand this weekend.
(Image Credit: trekearth.com)
