The Western Disturbance that formed a couple of days back is now lying over Jammu and Kashmir and has given snowfall in the glaciers and the higher reaches of the state. The system has also caused clouding over entire Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, middle and lower reaches of these hilly states are expected to witness rain later in the day. Northern plains such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and parts of west Uttar Pradesh are also observing obscured sky conditions and might receive light rain in next 24 hours.
In view of the system, the minimum temperatures have increased significantly, while maximums have taken a dip in several parts of the region.
On Tuesday morning, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -1.6°C, which is two degrees more than what was recorded on Monday. While the maximum temperature settled at 10.9°C on Monday, which was two degrees less than the previous day. Similarly, Pahalgam recorded a minimum of 2.2°C on Tuesday morning, which is an increase of six degrees. The maximum settled a 11.2°C, a notch below the previous day.
Meanwhile, famous hill stations such as Srinagar, Shimla and Manali will remain devoid of any snowfall and will have to wait for the next spell, which is approaching very shortly.
As per the forecast by Skymet, an active Western Disturbance will be approaching North India by January 20, which will give a long spell of widespread snow and rain over the region.
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.