The existing feeble WD over Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas will only bring isolated rainfall and snow. But heavy snowfall is expected over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh by January 4, on account of a fresh Western Disturbance (WD).
The fresh system will affect the hills of North India and is likely to give moderate to heavy snowfall at many places over J&K and Himachal Pradesh. Light to moderate snow is also expected over places in Uttarakhand.
Despite successive WDs approaching the region this winter, only two to three brought good snowfall. As a result, snowfall activity in the hills of North India has remained on the lower side this season. Severe winters remain also absent from the hills as well as the plains of North India.
Icy cold winds from snow-clad mountains did affect the northern plains between December 16 and 26 in 2015. During this period, minimum temperature in Delhi collapsed to 5°C. But thereafter, mostly above normal temperatures are being observed in the plains of Northwest India.
The incoming spell of good snow over the hills of North India will up the ‘chill’ factor in the plains as well. But temperatures in the region will not register any significant fall. Usually, after a spell of good snowfall in the hills, temperatures in the northern plains tend to drop as cold northerly winds hit the region. But with another WD expected to make an entry by January 7, the winds will be cut off and as a result temperatures at most places will continue to settle above normal.
Places like Haryana and Delhi will continue to witness mainly pleasant conditions. Parts of Punjab will also observe higher than usual temperatures. To put it simply, the trademark ‘winter chill’ will make its presence felt in the hills of North India, but conditions in the plains will remain largely comfortable.
(Featured Image Credit: rediff.com)
