Plains of North India covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, North Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh are likely to have light to moderate rain and thundershowers over the next few days. The entire region remained starved of winter rains, leading to large deficiency of over 90% across the region, till last week. Courtesy few good showers on 19th and 20th Jan, the shortfall has reduced by 10-20%, except over West Uttar Pradesh.
An active western disturbance is closing in over the northern mountains tonight. This will be followed by another system, in quick succession on 27th Jan and influence the weather conditions till 30th Jan. An induced cyclonic circulation has formed over southwest Rajasthan, drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea. Later, this feature will move over the central parts of the state. Under the combined effect of these two systems, the plains of North India will witness prolonged spell of rain and thundershower between 24th and 30th Jan, with short break in between on 27th Jan.
Weather activity during the later half of this spell will be more intense and wide as compared to the starting days. The 2nd half also may go deep in to states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The wet spell may be accompanied by 1st hailstorm of the season at few places, more so along the foothills and northern parts of Punjab and Haryana. Farther parts of West Uttar Pradesh may also witness similar weather conditions. Capital city Delhi also becomes favourite for an odd spell of hailstorm in some parts.
While, the winter rains are welcome by the farmers and considered timely godsend, the hailstorm activity may sledge the community. Gusty winds with heavy showers lead to lodging of crops and the entire 'Rabi' range becomes vulnerable to impairment. Inclement weather conditions are expected to subside after 30th Jan, across the plains of north India.