IMD Forecasts Fresh Snowfall and Rainfall Spell Across Northern India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather warning on Wednesday, predicting a fresh spell of snowfall and rainfall in various parts of northern India. This development comes as the region is already grappling with a severe cold wave, adding to the weather-related challenges faced by residents and authorities.
Detailed Forecast for Snowfall and Rainfall
According to the IMD's latest forecast, a western disturbance is expected to bring widespread precipitation to several northern states. The weather agency has specifically highlighted the following predictions:
- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience rain or snowfall today and tomorrow.
- Uttarakhand is expected to receive precipitation on January 27 and 28.
The IMD release stated: "A fresh wet spell with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall or snowfall with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh on 26th & 27th, and Uttarakhand on 27th & 28th January."
Alert Levels and Regional Impacts
The weather department has issued various alert levels for different regions based on the severity of expected conditions:
Orange Alert for Himachal Pradesh
An orange alert has been issued for heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts on January 27. This indicates potentially hazardous weather conditions that require preparedness and caution.
Yellow Alerts for Multiple Regions
The IMD has placed several areas under yellow alerts, indicating less severe but still significant weather events:
- Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal Pradesh are under yellow alert for possible hailstorms at isolated locations on January 27.
- For Kashmir, light rain or snow is predicted at a few places on January 28, with dry but cloudy weather expected over the following two days.
National Capital and Surrounding Regions
The national capital, Delhi, has been placed on a yellow alert for tomorrow, with predictions of one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The IMD noted: "Winds may become strong in the morning (up to 30–40 kmph). More light rain is possible from afternoon till night. It will be slightly cooler, with temperatures around 18–20°C."
Weather Conditions in Neighboring States
Similar weather patterns are expected to affect several neighboring states:
- Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab are likely to witness light to moderate rain with thunder, lightning, and strong winds on January 27.
- West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and East Uttar Pradesh may experience thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds on January 27.
- Madhya Pradesh is expected to receive light rain along with lightning on January 27 and 28.
- Chhattisgarh may experience light rain with lightning on January 28.
- Bihar is likely to witness light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, on January 28.
This comprehensive weather forecast comes at a time when northern India is already experiencing challenging winter conditions. The IMD's warnings emphasize the need for residents in affected areas to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions. The western disturbance is expected to bring significant precipitation across multiple states, potentially impacting travel, agriculture, and daily life in the region.
