IMD Predicts Extended Snowfall and Rainfall Across Northern India
The India Meteorological Department has announced that snowfall and rainfall activity will persist across northern India until the beginning of February, bringing relief after an unusually dry January month. The weather agency's latest forecast indicates that the recent wet spell that began last week will continue, potentially improving seasonal rainfall figures that had remained below normal for most of January.
Unusually Dry January Gives Way to Active Weather Pattern
This January proved atypical for northern India and neighboring regions, with snow and rain largely absent for most of the month's days. The primary causes for this dry period were identified as feeble western disturbances and insufficient moisture incursion from southern oceans. However, significant changes occurred last week when substantial snowfall and rainfall finally arrived across the region.
The recent weather activity has already made a measurable impact on rainfall statistics. According to IMD data, weekly rainfall recorded over northwest India until January 28 reached 28.8mm. The agency noted that for the first time this season, two major wet spells occurred across northwest India between January 22 and 28, bringing all-India rainfall to 113 percent of its Long Period Average.
Regional Impact and Current Conditions
The recent weather systems have affected various regions differently. Severe snowfall has impacted parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while moderate intensity rain has lashed areas of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. As approximately half of the winter season concludes, it was only during last week that cold and wet weather conditions finally prevailed over northern and northwestern regions.
IMD precipitation data clearly illustrates how dry weather dominated north and northwest India for most January days. The contrast between the first three weeks and the recent period is particularly striking, highlighting the dramatic shift in weather patterns that occurred toward the month's end.
Extended Forecast Through Early February
Looking ahead, the meteorological department forecasts continued precipitation activity into early February. "In addition to the present stream of western disturbance, a fresh western disturbance will affect north India from February 2 onwards," stated IMD officials in their latest assessment.
According to the detailed forecast, under the influence of the approaching western disturbance, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds along with snowfall will affect Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad during Saturday and Sunday. Similar inclement weather conditions will prevail over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on Sunday, extending to Uttarakhand on February 2.
Specific attention has been given to Rajasthan, where isolated light rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast between January 31 and February 3. This prediction suggests that while the intensity may vary across regions, widespread precipitation activity will continue across northern India.
Seasonal Context and Implications
The extended forecast brings hope for colder and wetter days during the final winter month this year. The delayed onset of significant precipitation means that February weather patterns will be crucial for balancing seasonal rainfall averages and addressing any moisture deficits that developed during the dry January period.
Residents across northern India should prepare for continued weather disruptions, including potential travel delays in snow-affected regions and agricultural impacts in rain-dependent areas. The meteorological department continues to monitor developing weather systems and will provide updated forecasts as conditions evolve.
