As the new year unfolds, a fresh western disturbance is set to impact the Western Himalayan regions, ushering in a bout of rainfall and changes in temperature over central and adjoining northwest India, including Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued crucial alerts, particularly an orange alert, for several states in North India, indicating the possibility of rain, thunderstorms, and even hailstorms.
According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, the western disturbance is expected to influence the weather patterns over northwest and central India on January 8 and 9. The impact is anticipated to bring light to moderate rainfall, with isolated instances of thunderstorm and hailstorm over east Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh.
The director general of IMD, M Mohapatra, highlighted that there will be a temporary rise in both maximum and minimum temperatures during this period. However, as the western disturbance moves away, a subsequent drop in temperatures is expected, potentially leading to cold wave conditions in parts of northwest India.
The affected regions, including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan, have been placed under an orange alert for Monday and Tuesday. Residents and authorities are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions in light of the forecasted weather conditions.
The influence of the western disturbance, coupled with its interaction with lower-level easterly winds, is predicted to result in light isolated rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on January 9. Additionally, the plains of Northwest India and Central India are expected to experience similar weather patterns on both January 8 and 9.
It’s essential for residents, travelers, and local administrations to stay updated on the evolving weather situation and adhere to advisories issued by the meteorological department. As the region braces for this weather spell, the focus remains on preparedness and precautionary measures to mitigate any potential impacts on daily life and infrastructure.