Series of Western Disturbances to Bring Rain and Snow to Western Himalayas

During the winter season, the Western Himalayan region experienced below-average rainfall and snowfall, leaving most hilly states with significant rain deficits. However, the weather pattern has shifted dramatically in recent weeks, with the intensity of Western disturbances increasing significantly. This change has led to heavy to very heavy snowfall in the region, particularly in the latter part of February and the first few days of March.

Western disturbances, which are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, play a crucial role in bringing precipitation to the Western Himalayas during the winter months. While their frequency typically begins to decline in March, this year has been an exception. Over the next three to four days, successive Western disturbances are expected to bring widespread rain and snowfall to the Western Himalayan region, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

In addition to the Western Himalayas, the induced cyclonic circulation developing over Northwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Pakistan will influence weather patterns across northern India. Between March 12 and 15, this system is likely to bring rain to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and North Madhya Pradesh. As a result, Holi, the festival of colours celebrated on March 14, may witness scattered rain in these states.

While the rain is not expected to be extremely heavy over the northern plains, isolated hailstorm activity cannot be ruled out in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and North Rajasthan. Such hailstorms could pose a threat to standing crops, potentially impacting agricultural yields in these regions.

The upcoming weather events highlight the dynamic nature of winter and early spring weather in northern India. While the increased precipitation will help alleviate the rain deficit in the Western Himalayas, farmers in the northern plains will need to remain vigilant against the possibility of hailstorms. As the region transitions into spring, the interplay of Western disturbances and cyclonic circulations will continue to shape the weather, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the affected areas.