And as the system moves eastwards, we can expect the lower reaches to receive rain and snow as well. Srinagar is likely to receive its first spell of snow on January 22 and January 23, due to the Western Disturbance. Banihal, Gulmarg, Kupwara, Leh, Pahalgam and Qazigund will also receive snow by January 21.
Neighboring Himachal Pradesh will also observe the effect of the system in terms of rain and snow. Looking at the weather models at Skymet, Shimla, Kullu, Manali and Keylong will observe good amounts of snowfall in next 48 hours. While places like Dharamsala and Solan will receive light to moderate rain for 3-4 days from January 21. Uttarakhand will also receive snow during this period, but in the higher reaches.
The effect of the system will also trickle down to the plains of North India. By the evening of January 21, we can expect rain in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi-NCR. In view of the system, cold day conditions will make a comeback in the region as maximum temperatures will drop below normal due to clouding, while minimums will rise marginally. These conditions will prevail for at least a couple of days, after which the system is expected to clear from the plains.
However, the hills of North India will continue to observe the effect of the system for 4-5 days – till January 25.
Western Disturbances become frequent during winters and are responsible for affecting the weather in the region to a large extent. These systems after approaching the region usually stay for 1-2 days and give short spells of rain. The system is called Western Disturbance due to its movement from west to east.