The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Sunday that a new western disturbance is expected to arrive in North India starting January 4. This weather system is anticipated to bring both snowfall and rain to the region in the days leading up to it.
According to the IMD, the western disturbance will start to impact northwest India from the night of January 4, leading to scattered rainfall and snowfall in the western Himalayan region from January 1 to 3. The department is also forecasting widespread rain and snow for January 4 and 5.
During a recent update, IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy shared insights with the media, noting that the current western disturbance has moved away, which has led to a decrease in cold wave conditions. However, these chilly conditions are still being felt in parts of the western Himalayan region.
Roy explained that following severe weather conditions on December 27 and 28, cold wave and foggy conditions were observed. The scientist pointed out that the absence of strong winds has contributed to the retention of fog, now settling as low clouds across North India, creating a scenario similar to cold day conditions.
Looking ahead, Roy indicated that the incoming western disturbance could raise minimum temperatures by 3-5 degrees Celsius, with rain expected over states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
The IMD also warned of dense to very dense fog and persistent cold day conditions over northwest India for the upcoming 2-3 days, while cold wave conditions are expected to persist in certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
