The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert for northwest India in response to an intense Western disturbance affecting the region. This meteorological event has already triggered notable weather changes, including the first snowfall of the season in Shimla and substantial snow accumulation in Gulmarg.
Snowfall and Precipitation Impact
On Friday, Shimla witnessed its first snowfall of the season, marking a seasonal shift in weather patterns. Meanwhile, Gulmarg recorded an impressive 20-24 inches of snow, highlighting the intensity of the Western disturbance. In Delhi, precipitation on Basant Panchmi ended a prolonged dry spell, leading to an improvement in air quality. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has moved into the 'poor' range, a slight relief from previously worse conditions, though concerns remain.
Transportation Disruptions
The heavy snowfall has caused significant disruptions to transportation networks across the region. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was shut down due to traffic movement being severely affected by the snow. Additionally, multiple flights at Srinagar Airport have been cancelled. This is attributed to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in force at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, combined with the ongoing snowfall conditions at Srinagar, creating challenging operational environments for air travel.
IMD Forecast and Warnings
In a post on X, the IMD provided detailed forecasts, stating that due to the intense Western disturbance, heavy rainfall and snowfall are likely, accompanied by hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places over the Western Himalayan region on January 22nd and 23rd, 2026. The department also warned that light to moderate rainfall is expected at a few places over the plains of northwest India during the same period. This alert underscores the need for residents and authorities to stay vigilant and prepared for adverse weather conditions.
Regional Implications
The weather alert covers a broad area, impacting daily life and infrastructure in northwest India. From tourism hotspots like Shimla and Gulmarg experiencing snowfall to urban centers like Delhi seeing improved air quality, the effects are varied. The closure of key highways and flight cancellations further emphasize the widespread nature of this weather event, necessitating coordinated response efforts to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
