The active Western Disturbance has continued to give widespread heavy snow and rain over the hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system is still prevailing over Jammu and Kashmir and is moving towards the western Himalayas.
In wake of the inclement weather, avalanche threat is also looming large over high altitude areas and local authorities have warned people from venturing out to avoid any untoward incidents.
In a span of 24 hours from 8.30 am on Sunday, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir recorded 78.4 mm of rain, Banihal 72.2 mm, Batote 66.2 mm, Bhaderwah 53.8 mm, Gulmarg 40.2 mm and Jammu 12 mm.
Himachal Pradesh also recorded heavy rain and snowfall with Chamba recording 43 mm of rain, Kullu 34 mm, Dharamsala 31.4 mm, Solan 31.3 mm, Kalpa 27 mm, Shimla 25.5 mm and Manali 20 mm. In Uttarakhand, Arakot received 21 mm, Someshwar and Jakholi 20 mm, Tehri 19 mm, Lansdowne 16 mm and Uttarkashi 8 mm.
According to weathermen at Skymet, the system is expected to clear in next 24 hours but till then all the three hilly states will continue to receive rain and snow, however, with reduced intensity.
Heavy downpour has resulted in severe cold conditions throughout the hilly region as maximum temperatures have dropped significantly and are now settling below normal by five degrees or so. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures have registered a marginal change.
This season, the frequency of Western Disturbances has been more than usual. And when aligned with induced cyclonic circulations, these systems have given more weather, in terms of intensity, spread and duration.
Western Disturbances become frequent during winters and are responsible for affecting the weather in the region to a large extent. These systems after approaching the region usually stay for 1-2 days and give short spells of rain. The system is called Western Disturbance due to its movement from west to east.
