Western Disturbance to Intensify: Temperatures to Plunge by 5°C, Snowfall and Rain Expected Across North India
As the biting cold of North India continues to intensify, weather experts predict a significant weather shift with the onset of a fresh western disturbance. This meteorological phenomenon is expected to affect the entire northwestern region of India, including the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The winter chill that has already brought freezing temperatures to the region is about to deepen, with the mercury expected to drop by 3-5°C, leading to a sharp dip in temperatures and the possibility of heavy snowfall and rain.
Current Weather in North India: A Chilly Start to the Year
The last few days have seen the winter chill gripping parts of North India, as the temperatures in the hilly areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have plunged to near-freezing levels. In particular, the capital city of Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3°C early on Monday, with Palam seeing an even lower 8.6°C. The dense fog that enveloped these areas created visibility challenges, especially in the morning hours, leading to disruptions in transportation and increased traffic congestion.
In the plains, states like Punjab and Haryana have also witnessed a significant reduction in visibility due to the thick fog, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and causing delays at airports and train stations. In fact, in some areas of Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Sikar, dense fog led to almost zero visibility, affecting daily life and air traffic. The temperature in Sirohi in Rajasthan dipped to 5.2°C, the lowest temperature recorded in the plains during the ongoing cold wave.
Impact of Western Disturbance: Forecast for January 4th Onwards
The most significant development in the coming days is the activation of a new western disturbance which is expected to hit the region by January 4th. Meteorologists are predicting that the western disturbance will not only bring a sharp fall in temperatures but will also trigger widespread rainfall and snowfall in the hilly regions and plains of northern India. The western disturbance is essentially a weather pattern that originates in the Mediterranean Sea and travels eastwards, bringing with it moisture-laden winds. When these winds collide with the Himalayan mountains, they result in precipitation in the form of rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher altitudes.
This disturbance is set to affect Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in the coming days. Experts predict that these states will receive heavy snowfall in the higher altitudes and moderate to heavy rainfall in the lowlands. The national capital, Delhi, is expected to witness a significant temperature drop of 3-5°C, with mornings becoming even colder and dense fog continuing to cause low visibility in the early hours.
The Impact of Snowfall and Rain in the Hills
In the hilly regions of Jammu & Kashmir, the winter chill is already in full force, with popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam witnessing a heavy blanket of snow. On Sunday night, temperatures in Gulmarg fell to a chilling minus 10°C, marking one of the coldest nights of the season. The snowfall has led to a picturesque winter landscape but also brings challenges for travelers who need to plan accordingly.
Pahalgam, another popular destination in the region, recorded temperatures 9.2°C below freezing, as the chill in the air continues to make it feel even colder. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is also seeing near-zero temperatures, while Leh and Ladakh are experiencing freezing cold, with the mercury consistently staying well below minus 10°C.
In Himachal Pradesh, areas like Manali, Kullu, and Shimla are bracing for more snowfall as the western disturbance brings widespread rain and snow. With the tourist season in full swing, these regions are anticipating an influx of visitors looking to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes, though the extreme cold and snowfall may cause road closures and other disruptions. The famous hill station Kullu has already started experiencing moderate snowfall, while Shimla is expecting heavier snow over the next few days.
Fog and Low Visibility: Hazards Across the Region
One of the biggest challenges brought on by the western disturbance and the prevailing winter weather is the dense fog. The reduced visibility is affecting airports, railways, and roads in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttarakhand. In places like Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Pathankot, visibility dropped to zero meters, making flight delays inevitable. Moreover, highway travel has been significantly impacted, with drivers advised to exercise caution.
In Delhi, fog-related disruptions continued, with limited visibility in the morning causing a drop in air traffic efficiency. The Delhi International Airport reported several delays due to fog, and trains across the northern rail network were also affected, with many running behind schedule.
Impact on Air Quality and Pollution Levels
Along with the drop in temperatures, pollution levels in the capital city of Delhi have also seen a noticeable change. As of Monday, the average AQI in Delhi stood at 173, a notable improvement from 225 recorded the previous day.
Despite this improvement, air pollution remains a major concern in the region, especially as the dense fog traps the pollutants near the ground. The PM2.5 levels remain a health risk for residents, particularly in highly populated urban areas. Authorities are urging people to limit outdoor activities during the early morning hours to avoid exposure to the harmful effects of the air pollution.
