Delhi Faces Sudden Weather Shock: Western Disturbances Bring Snow & Rain

Weather Forecast
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Weather Forecast: Cold and Rainy Conditions Returning to Delhi – A Cautionary Update for February 2025

As we step into February, weather patterns across India are undergoing significant shifts, with many regions experiencing a mix of cold weather and rainfall. After a particularly warm January, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for various regions, including Delhi, which will soon face a drop in temperatures and increased rainfall. This article delves into the detailed weather forecast, exploring the impact of these weather changes and providing essential information for those preparing for the upcoming conditions.

Delhi’s January: An Unusually Warm Start to the Year

The capital city, Delhi, recorded one of its warmest Januaries in recent years, with temperatures significantly higher than usual. The average minimum temperature for the month was 8.4°C, marking the warmest January in the past eight years. This anomaly in temperature patterns has raised concerns, as the region’s winter was less pronounced than expected. While Delhi did experience some cold spells, they were brief, and the overall weather felt warmer compared to typical winters.

Western Disturbances: Impact on Northern India

The Western Disturbances, which are crucial to the winter weather in the northern parts of India, are expected to influence the weather across the region from February 1 to February 4, 2025. These disturbances bring moisture-laden winds, leading to a mix of rain and snowfall in the Himalayan region and parts of northern India. The IMD has predicted that Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad will experience widespread rain and snowfall, with the possibility of heavy showers disrupting daily life.

Regions Affected by Rain and Snowfall

  1. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
    From January 30 to February 5, these areas are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain and snowfall. The intense cold weather and snow accumulation could lead to hazardous conditions in high-altitude areas.
  2. Uttarakhand
    The state of Uttarakhand will experience significant rain and snow between February 1 and February 4, disrupting the region’s tranquility. Visitors planning trips to the hill stations should be prepared for chilly conditions and limited visibility due to dense fog and snowfall.
  3. Himachal Pradesh and Western Himalayas
    Similarly, Himachal Pradesh will be hit with moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall due to the Western Disturbances. These conditions will persist through the first week of February, with possible impacts on road connectivity and local transport.

Forecast for the Plains and Southern India

  1. Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh
    Between February 1 and February 4, these regions are expected to experience light to moderate rain. The weather could impact outdoor activities and farming operations. Farmers in the region should prepare for potential crop damage due to unexpected rainfall.
  2. Rajasthan and Vidarbha
    The eastern parts of Rajasthan and Vidarbha may also witness light to moderate rain from February 2 to February 4. While the rainfall is not expected to be severe, these regions will likely experience a cooling effect, leading to a temporary reduction in daytime temperatures.
  3. Central India
    Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will see light to moderate rain on February 3 and 4, with temperatures expected to drop slightly. The rainfall will offer a temporary relief from the warm weather, though it may be insufficient to impact the ongoing dry conditions in these areas.
  4. Southern India: Intense Rainfall Expected

    The southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, will experience heavy rainfall between February 1 and February 2, accompanied by thunderstorms. The eastern wave moving through these states will intensify rainfall, potentially causing localized flooding in low-lying areas.

The Long-Term Forecast: Dry and Warm February

Despite the initial burst of cold and rain during the first week of February, the overall trend for the month is expected to be warmer and drier than usual. The India Meteorological Department has warned that, in general, February 2025 will see above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall across the country.

  1. Western and Central India
    Areas like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra will experience warmer than normal temperatures, with minimal rainfall expected. These regions will likely see above-normal maximum temperatures and higher-than-usual minimum temperatures, creating unseasonably warm conditions.
  2. Northwest India and the Deccan Plateau
    In Northwest India and the Deccan Plateau, temperatures are also forecasted to remain above normal. Delhi will likely continue to experience relatively mild winter conditions, despite some temporary cold spells brought by the Western Disturbances.

Rainfall Predictions for February: A Detailed Look

  • Northeastern and Himalayan Regions
    As mentioned, these regions are set to receive more rainfall, especially in the first week of February, owing to the effects of the Western Disturbances. Areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh are expected to see moderate to heavy snowfall.
  • Southern India
    On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Karnataka may experience intense but localized rainfall events, with conditions improving after February 2. The eastern wave will contribute to the rainy spells, but these conditions will be short-lived.
  • Other Areas
    Central India, including Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will experience light rains, which may help mitigate the ongoing dryness but won’t be sufficient to return these regions to a normal precipitation level.

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