North India Braces For Rain, Snow This Weekend Amid Western Disturbance

A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect north India on Saturday, bringing rainfall to the plains and snowfall in higher-altitude regions. Weather officials said the system is expected to impact several parts of the region, with a drop in temperatures and cloudy conditions accompanying the precipitation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that due to the influence of two such systems in quick succession, light to moderate scattered or fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall are likely over the Western Himalayan region from January 31 to February 3.

Devendra Tripathi, founder of Mausam Tak and a weather vlogger for Kisan Tak, said he has been tracking the atmospheric changes and noted that a new Western Disturbance has reached

the mountains of India, with clouds already visible over the western Himalayan region, India Today reported.

Tripathi further explained that in the western Himalayan region, there is a possibility of more snowfall in some parts of Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

The IMD echoed this outlook, saying these high-altitude areas are likely to witness precipitation along with thunderstorms and lightning.

During this period, gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are also expected to sweep through Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.

This moisture comes as a welcome relief for the region, which has been waiting for a proper winter spell to replenish its snowpack.

The impact of these disturbances is expected to extend beyond the mountain peaks into the plains of northwest India.

Devendra Tripathi highlighted a broad reach for the incoming weather, stating there is a possibility of snowfall or rain in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and even Bihar.

The IMD predicts a generally cloudy sky on January 31 for the national capital, with the possibility of a spell of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds towards the night.

Meanwhile, isolated hailstorm activity remains a major concern for Rajasthan, with warnings in place for West Rajasthan on January 31 and East Rajasthan till February 1.