A western disturbance has brought widespread snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while rain and thunderstorms hit plains including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Key highways remain closed due to heavy snow.
Fresh Western Disturbance Likely to Keep Weather Unsettled This Week
New Delhi: The weather has once again changed in northwest India. Due to the influence of an active western disturbance over northern Iran and the Caspian Sea, heavy snowfall is occurring in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while rain and strong winds are being recorded in the plains. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan are also experiencing light to moderate rain and thundershowers.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclonic circulation remains over northwest Rajasthan, and a low-pressure area is active from northwest Rajasthan to northern Madhya Pradesh. A new western disturbance is expected to become active on April 2nd, which could lead to similar weather conditions in the coming days. From March 30th to April 4th, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to experience thunderstorms, rain, and snowfall, along with winds of 30-50 kmph. A hailstorm warning has also been issued for some areas.
Fresh snowfall has occurred in the Rohtang Pass, Lahaul-Spiti, and high-altitude areas of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. About 20 centimeters of snow accumulated at the Rohtang Pass, disrupting traffic on several routes. Traffic was also temporarily disrupted on the roads leading to the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang. Rain in lower areas like Shimla and Dharamshala has increased the cold.
Due to continuous snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Bandipora-Gurez road have been closed. The Meteorological Department has predicted light rain and snowfall until March 31. The risk of avalanches and landslides has also increased in some areas, prompting authorities to remain vigilant.
Rain and strong winds have brought down temperatures in Punjab and Haryana, but this has increased farmers' concerns. The wheat crop is currently standing in the fields, and strong winds and rain are threatening to damage the crop. Experts have advised farmers to exercise caution and monitor weather updates.
Overall, this weather pattern is expected to persist in North India in the coming days, which could impact both normal life and agriculture.
