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A fresh western disturbance is set to change weather patterns across India, bringing rain to plains and snowfall to Himalayan regions, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Avalanche Blocks Road in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi: The weather is expected to change over the next 24 hours due to a western disturbance developing in North India. Snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of the Western Himalayas and light rain in the plains. Thunderstorms and showers are also possible in Punjab, Haryana, and surrounding states.
The weather is also active in South India, with rain being recorded in many parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Meanwhile, an avalanche in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir disrupted traffic on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot interstate road. There were no casualties, but more than 250 vehicles were stranded. The administration has deployed machinery and personnel to clear the road.
Due to bright sunshine during the day, temperatures in the Kashmir Valley were recorded about eight degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature remained below freezing.
According to the India Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected in the high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between February 16 and 18.
A special alert has been issued in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh districts. The minimum temperature in high altitude areas like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri is expected to be between minus 12 and minus 20 degrees Celsius.
In the plains, scattered rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on February 17-18. Rain and lightning are also expected in Madhya Pradesh on February 18-19.
Light rain is expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland in Northeast India, while minimum temperatures may gradually increase in some areas.
A low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has increased rainfall activity in the southern states. The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall of 10 to 15 centimeters, which could cause flooding in low-lying areas. The administration has advised people to stay away from beaches.
Overall, the changing weather across the country will bring rain and snowfall, and temperature fluctuations. The coming few days are considered crucial from a weather perspective.
