A fresh Western Disturbance affecting North India has given heavy snow in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, while widespread moderate rainfall in middle and lower reaches.
In a span of last 24 hours, Gulmarg recorded 14.5 mm of rain, Banihal 12.6 mm, Batote 11.2 mm, Srinagar 11.1 mm, Bhadarwah 10 mm, Pahalgam 9.2 mm and Kokarnag 7.6 mm.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system is moving eastwards and is presently prevailing over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. As a result, hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will witness moderate rain and snow during the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, rain activity over Jammu and Kashmir will now reduce as the system moves away but light downpour will still be recorded across the state.
The system has also affected weather over northern plains, especially Punjab and Haryana. Isolated parts of these states have also observed light rainfall in the span of last 24 hours. Amritsar in Punjab recorded 2.3 mm of rain, Ferozepore 5 mm, Chandigarh 0.5 mm, Jalandhar 1 mm and Patiala 0.8 mm
In wake of the system, maximum temperatures across the region are expected to drop, while minimum temperatures will increase, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. In the absence of any weather system, the state for the last couple of days has been recording high day temperatures, well above the normal by 7 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar on Sunday recorded maximum of 18.7°C, which was 10 degrees above normal in comparison to 18.2°C on Saturday, which was also 9 degrees above normal. Similarly, Batote witnessed 18.8°C on Sunday, 8 degrees above normal and 18.9°C on Saturday, 7 degrees above normal. Banihal had 18°C on Sunday, again 7 degrees above normal and 18.8°C on Saturday, 8 degrees above normal.
With the change in weather, maximum temperatures are expected to come down from Monday onward.
Hilly states of northern India will be experiencing extended period of snow and rain this week. Another Western Disturbance is approaching North India and is expected to affect the region in next 2 to 3 days.
Western Disturbances during the winter season affect the weather to quite a large extent. The areas affected by this system usually receive short spell of rain for a day or two. Due to its movement from east to west, it is called Western Disturbance.
