Meteorological conditions are building up for yet another spell of heavy snow over the northern mountains. The last bout was in the first week of February. Similar spell or possibly longer than the earlier one will lash the peaks and valleys in Kashmir and Himachal with fresh snow, commencing soon. The state of Uttrakhand will also witness fresh snow for a day, in the mid and higher reaches. Simultaneous occurrence across the hilly states, amounting to the derailment of normal life is expected on the 18th and 19th Feb 2024.
Fresh western disturbance is approaching the western Himalayas on 17th Feb. This will be closely followed by another system, moving in tandem, following a similar track. A secondary system as cyclonic circulation, moving from across the border will reach the plains of Punjab on 19th Feb. The Presence of this system will reinforce the western disturbance and week-long activity is likely to be triggered, across the hills, albeit with varying intensity. Heavy to very heavy snowfall is expected on 18th and 19th Feb. Intense and widespread activity is likely over the Pir Panjal Range and Shivalik Range in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Inclement weather conditions may disrupt the air and road connectivity, on account of deep layers of snow, landslides, hailstorms and heavy outflow from the water bodies.
The month of January 2024 was completely dry for the hilly states. It amounted to large deficiencies, in excess of 90% across the board. Heavy snowfall in the first few days of February made a significant recovery. However, a prolonged dry spell thereafter has mounted the shortfall once again to critical levels. The first phase of the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ in Ladakh was facilitated by the timely snowfall during the first week of February. The second phase of these games is scheduled from 21st to 25th Feb, in Gulmarg. The adventure centre at Gulmarg will host Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic skiing and Gandola. Once again, the second spell of snow in the Kashmir Valley will be timely to speed up preparations and walk through the scheduled event.
The week-long spell will make a mild start on 17th Feb, pick up intensity on 18th and 19th Feb and gradually slow down till the next weekend. Only, the remnant effect will be observed on 24th Feb and a broad clearance is expected from 26th Feb onward. Snow-clad mountains pushing cold air down the slopes will once again revive the winter chill across the mountains of North India. Plains too, will have the ripple effect to enjoy the winter flavour, a little longer than expected.
Image Credit: ndtvimg
