Rain-Thundershowers Over Northern Mountains: Isolated Hailstorm Likely
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Back-to-back western disturbances will trigger widespread rain and thunderstorms across North Indian hills till 25th May.
- Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to witness the most intense weather activity.
- Isolated hailstorms are expected over the Jammu region and Himachal Pradesh between 22nd and 23rd May.
- Weather conditions are likely to improve across the region from 26th May onwards.
An active western disturbance has arrived over North Pakistan and the Jammu & Kashmir region. A cyclonic circulation is marked at 10,000 feet. A small-scale low-level circulation is lying over Punjab and adjoining border areas. Also, another western disturbance, as an upper air trough, is marked along about 60°E, north of 30°N.
Under the combined influence of these systems, the hilly states of North India will have fairly widespread rain-thundershower activity between 21st and 25th May 2026. Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Banihal, Qazigund and Bhaderwah have received light to moderate rainfall in the past 24 hours. The rain belt is likely to extend and cover Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next three days. Foothills of Punjab and adjoining parts of Haryana will also receive light rainfall between 22nd and 23rd May. Delhi will be a little far from the reach of the weather system and, at best, may have a few clouds and distant flashes from a thunderstorm cell.
The two western disturbances will move in quick succession, affecting the mid and higher reaches. Light rainfall is likely over the lower mountains and the foothills. The peak activity is likely between 22nd and 23rd May, more prominently over the Jammu region and Himachal Pradesh. Isolated hailstorms are expected over these parts during this period. Weather activity will start vacating Jammu & Kashmir on 25th May, and broad clearance over the entire region can be expected from 26th May onwards.
