Rain And Snow Over Mountains, Prolonged Spell Likely

A fresh western disturbance is approaching the Western Himalayas, late tomorrow night. Weather activity over the northern mountains, across all the hilly states, will start on 21^st March and go on till 24^th March. Activity will remain confined to the northern hills and foothills of Punjab and Haryana. It may spill over to the plains of North India on 24^th March and clear simultaneously, the next day, from the entire region. Little early to say, but, the festival Holi on 25^th March may have to contend with a slightly warm afternoon and strong breeze, without any sprinkles, across the plains of North India.

Hills have witnessed generally fair weather conditions, since 14^th March. The last spell, disrupting connectivity and closure of the highway was on 13^th March. Thereafter, the western disturbances have been rather mild and tracking far to the north affecting highly elevated areas only. Feeble western disturbance, as a trough, is still located over the eastern parts of the hilly states. It is on the verge of clearing the region, anytime soon. However, a fresh one waits in the wings, not very far from the region. It arrives tomorrow night and straight away starts action from the next morning on 21^st Mar and runs the race till 24^th March.

Rain and snow are likely on all four days across the region, more of it in the Pir-Panjal and Shivalik ranges. The state of Uttrakhand may escape the fury, except in isolated pockets on 24^th March. Peak activity is expected on 23^rd March, more effectively for the states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, in that order of sequence. Lower ranges and the foothills will witness enhanced activity on 23^rd and 24^th March 2024. Lightening, thunderstorms and possibly hailstorms at a few places are likely on these two days.

The western disturbance will induce a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and Punjab, on 24^th March. Accordingly, the spread of weather activity will increase for about 24 hours. So, simultaneous action will be there for 24 hours on 24^th March. Rain belt will extend and cover Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh. The intensity of the weather will be light to moderate, with minimal possibility of hailstorms. Broad clearance is expected on 25^th March over the plains and the residual effect for mountains to continue. Cool air in the wake of the system will return a slight nip in the air and fair weather conditions, across northern parts.

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