The month of March is over but the winter systems are still affecting the hills of North India. The heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir is an outcome of these systems. Usually during winters the Western Disturbances track more northwards impacting Jammu and Kashmir the most, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, during the monsoon it’s the reverse.
Currently Jammu and Kashmir is bearing the impact of the system but Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are going to observe an increase in rainfall activity from April 2, which will last till April 3. The weather system over Jammu and Kashmir will expand by then to cover both the states. In fact light rain has already begun in the region as Shimla recorded 9.6 mm of rain in last 24 hours, from 8.30 am on Tuesday, while Chamba observed 1.2 mm of rain. By April 2 the intensity will increase in the state and isolated places may witness heavy rain. In Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar also recorded light rain of 0.3 mm.
The temperatures that were maintaining close to normal or marginally above it, have come down by almost 5-6 degrees. For instance, Shimla recorded 15°C as the maximum temperature on Tuesday, which is 3 degrees below normal. Adjoining Manali also saw the day temperature slide by 5 degrees to settle at 15°C. In Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar recorded 14.2°C as the day temperature which too is 6 degrees below the monthly normal.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system will clear by April 4 and the temperatures will rise again. However, light rainfall activity is expected to continue in the hills till April 8.
