Snowfall Over The Mountains: Long Spell Coming Up
Key Takeaways
- North Indian hills saw over 90% rain/snow deficit in December, with Uttarakhand at 100% shortfall.
- Dry conditions have continued through the first half of January.
- Two western disturbances from 16–21 Jan may revive snowfall and rain.
- Improved snowfall may support Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh.
Hilly states of North India were rain/snow deficit during December 2025. The shortfall was in excess of 90% across the board and even 100% in the state of Uttarakhand. There is not much change in the first two weeks of Jan 2026. The whole region continues to be starved of seasonal weather activity, leaving anxious moments for agriculture, adventure sports, tourism and water management. Snowfall activity replenishes the glaciers and other water bodies as well, which is the lifeline for the seasons to follow.
Hopes are building up with promising weather systems likely over the mountains. A western disturbance is likely to reach the Western Himalayas on 16th Jan 2026. An induced system in the form of cyclonic circulation will appear over the plains on 18th Jan 2026. Snowfall in the hills will remain confined to elevated mountains with heights above about 12,000 ft. The lower parts of all these states will have light to moderate rainfall.
Another western disturbance will follow in quick succession, stronger than the previous one, on 19th Jan 2026. Weather activity will nearly overlap between these two systems. The induced circulation over the plains will follow later on 21st Jan 2026. Together, the two systems will reinforce their respective strength and prolong the spell of weather activity till the end of next week. The intensity and spread of snowfall will increase from 21st Jan onward and keep expanding in space and scale till next weekend. Republic Day festivities may come under the shadow of rough weather conditions.
The Union Territory of Ladakh is scheduled to host the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ between 20th and 26th Jan 2026. Multiple venues across Leh will be used, including NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, Ladakh Scouts Ice Rink and Gupuks Pond. A sufficient layer of ice will be a prerequisite for the conduct of games. The upcoming spell of snowfall provides a ray of hope for the successful completion of the event. Lack of snowfall has earlier led to postponement of the annual meet in the past.
