The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert, indicating that a fresh spell of active winter conditions will sweep across extensive parts of north, northwest, and central India starting January 26. This forecast comes from the IMD's All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released on the night of January 25, highlighting the arrival of a new western disturbance that is poised to influence the region's climate patterns.
Western Disturbance Triggers Widespread Precipitation
According to meteorological experts, this incoming weather system is expected to bring a mix of precipitation and turbulent conditions over the next several days. The western Himalayan region will experience widespread rainfall and snowfall, while adjoining plains may face thunderstorms and hailstorms. Additionally, dense fog is anticipated in several pockets, and coastal waters could see strong squally winds, creating challenging conditions for maritime activities.
The evolving weather pattern is projected to remain active at least until January 28. Furthermore, the IMD suggests that another western disturbance is likely to approach northwest India from the night of January 30, potentially extending unsettled conditions into the final days of the month, keeping meteorological activity high.
Impact on Western Himalayan States
The most pronounced effects of this weather system will be felt across the western Himalayan states. The IMD has forecast a fresh wet spell with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh on January 26 and 27. Uttarakhand is expected to see similar conditions on January 27 and 28.
Isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall are likely over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on January 27, which could lead to temporary disruptions in road and rail traffic in higher-altitude areas. The forecast also includes lightning and squally winds, with wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph in parts of the western Himalayan region during this period.
The department has issued warnings for isolated hailstorm activity over Jammu and Kashmir on January 26 and 27, over Himachal Pradesh on January 27, and over Uttarakhand on January 27 and 28, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Storms and Rainfall in the Plains
Beyond the mountainous areas, the impact of this weather system will extend across the northwestern and central plains. On January 27, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, is likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. East Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience similar conditions on January 27 and 28.
The IMD has forecast isolated light rainfall with lightning over parts of central India on January 27 and 28, while isolated light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is very likely over Bihar on January 28, indicating a broad geographical spread of adverse weather.
Persistent Cold Conditions and Fog
Even as rainfall and storm activity increase, cold conditions are set to persist in several regions. The IMD has warned of dense fog during the morning and night hours in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 26, and over north Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim until January 27.
Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of east Rajasthan on January 26, while cold wave conditions may prevail over Himachal Pradesh and west Rajasthan on the same day. Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh could see cold wave conditions on January 26 and again between January 28 and 30, highlighting the dual challenges of precipitation and low temperatures.
Extended Weather Outlook and Preparedness
While the intensity of rainfall and storm activity is expected to decrease after January 28, isolated to scattered rainfall and snowfall may continue over the western Himalayan region in the subsequent days. The IMD has indicated that another fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of January 30, which could once again revive precipitation over the region, maintaining dynamic weather patterns.
The IMD has advised residents in affected regions to remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly in hill districts prone to snowfall and hailstorms. With a combination of snow in the hills, thunderstorms and hail in the plains, dense fog, and fluctuating temperatures, the closing week of January is set to remain meteorologically active across large parts of India. As winter systems continue to pass through the region, weather conditions are expected to remain dynamic, necessitating close monitoring of daily forecasts and warnings issued by the meteorological department.
