Winter season so far has remained subdued over all the hilly states of North India, especially over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In fact, as on December 31, Himachal Pradesh was rain deficient by 47% and Uttarakhand by 72%. The reason for these poor rains has mainly been attributed to the feeble Western Disturbances. Although frequency was more but they were mostly tracked in higher altitudes i.e. the northern parts of Jammu and Kashmir and they lasted for short span only.
Looks like with the coming of new year, rains too have knocked the doors of the hills of North India. Today fresh Western Disturbance has approached, so light rains were seen over the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. As per the experts, the rainfall is expected to increase by January 2. Not only this, few parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh may also witness some snowfall. Whereas, similar weather conditions will be seen over isolated pockets of Uttarakhand. Due to cloud cover and few spells of rain, minimums are expected to increase by 1-2°C, whereas day temperature will decrease by 3-4°C.
Considering the fact that the Western Disturbance is not very active in nature, therefore by January 3, the rain intensity will decrease significantly. Another active Western Disturbance is expected to approach on January 4, so good rains with snow can be experienced over many places of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Uttarakhand will receive rain over scattered areas.
By January 6, Western Disturbance will move eastwards, thus leading to a fall in the rain and snow intensity. But, the remnants will continue to give rains over the isolated pockets of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Thereafter, weather will clear up. Icy cold winds from the hills will make a comeback and the Cold Wave will once again seep into the plains of the country, once again leading to a marginal drop in minimums.
Image Credit: Hill Post
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