The depression is marked over Northwest Madhya Pradesh and Southwest Uttar Pradesh. The steering current is likely to recurve the system northeastward. West Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will fall in the vulnerable zone for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. The proximity of the hills of Uttarakhand and the foothills of Uttar Pradesh will increase the complexity of the weather situation. Inclement weather conditions with severe to very severe activity is likely in the next 24 hours and on a lesser scale, tomorrow as well.
The cyclonic circulation of the depression is well marked up to mid-tropospheric levels, without any significant tilt with height. This feature speaks about the severity of the system. The geographical location of the system over rugged terrain will compound the gravity further and raise the danger levels. Very rough and turbulent weather conditions are likely to prevail over the area, during the next 24 hours. Such acute weather conditions raise the threat level further during the dark hours.
Heavy to very heavy rains are expected over West Uttar Pradesh. Also, severe thunderstorms and frightening lightening accompanied with strong gusty winds are likely over Uttarakhand. Both, Garhwal and Kumaon region need to exercise utmost caution. State need to remain in a high level of preparedness, to meet any eventuality.
Risk of cloud burst and landslides will be quite large for the vulnerable areas. Any tourism and adventure activity need to be halted, with immediate effect. Proximity to water bodies also should be avoided. The places at risk will include the following :
Uttar Pradesh: Aligarh, Meerut Majaffarnagar, Bijnor, Rampur, Pilibhit, Amroha, Bareilly, Badaun and the neighbouring locations.
Uttarakhand: Kotdwara, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Almora, Ramnagar, Bageshwar, Pant Nagar and the neighbouring locations.
Weather conditions are likely to improve after 48 hours. However, caution need to be observed further, as the water bodies keep responding, even after the weather conditions become better.
Image Courtesy: Punjab Kesari