Key Takeaways
- A fresh western disturbance will bring widespread rain and snow to North India from January 23.
- Heavy snowfall alerts have been issued for Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Plains including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan will see light to moderate rain.
- The IMD warns of possible disruptions to traffic and essential services in hill areas.
North India braces for a significant weather change starting Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting widespread rainfall and snowfall across several states. The department has issued alerts for heavy precipitation in the Himalayan region.
Western Disturbance Triggers Alert
IMD scientist Devendra Tripathi confirmed a fresh western disturbance is approaching northwest India. This weather system will influence conditions from January 23, bringing light to moderate rain to plains including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan over two days.
“Under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance, light to moderate rainfall/snowfall is very likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh during 23rd-25th January. Isolated heavy rainfall/snowfall is also likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh on 23rd & 24th and over Himachal Pradesh on 24th January,” the IMD stated in its bulletin.
State-wise Weather Forecast
Himalayan States: Uttarakhand is likely to see light to moderate rain or snow at many places on January 23-24, with isolated heavy falls on the 24th.
Northwest Plains: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan can expect widespread light to moderate rain on January 23-24. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Punjab and north Haryana on January 24.
Uttar Pradesh: A few places in the state may receive light to moderate rain on January 23-24, with western UP likely to see isolated heavy rainfall on the 24th.
Advisories and Potential Impact
The IMD has cautioned that heavy snowfall in hill areas could temporarily disrupt essential services and highway traffic. Residents in affected regions are advised to follow the latest weather updates and official advisories.
This weather shift marks a significant change for North India, which has experienced relatively dry conditions. The rain is expected to improve air quality in the plains, while the snow will add to the seasonal accumulation in the mountains.
