New Delhi: A spell of rain and snow is expected to lash the northern parts of India in the next few days due to the influence of an intense western disturbance, the first of the season. The weather system will also cause a drop in temperature and may affect the air quality in some regions ahead of Diwali.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a is an extratropical storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain and snow to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea.
The IMD said that this western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and adjoining areas from October 15 to 17. It will also impact Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh during the same period. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy rain and snowfall in some areas there. An orange alert advises people to be prepared for adverse weather conditions.
The IMD said that this western disturbance will receive moisture from the Arabian Sea, which will increase the intensity and extent of rainfall over northwest India. It will also interact with a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and neighboring areas, which has developed under its influence. This cyclonic circulation is likely to intensify further after meeting with a fresh western disturbance on October 15.
The IMD said that due to these weather systems, there is a forecast of thunderstorms and lightning in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan during this period. It also said that dry northwesterly winds from the Himalayas are likely to prevail over northwest India from October 17 onwards. Due to this, the temperature in the region is expected to fall by two to four degrees Celsius from October 17.
The IMD said that these weather conditions may affect the air quality in some parts of northwest India, especially in Delhi-NCR, where it is already in the poor category. It said that the rain may wash away some pollutants, but the low temperature and calm winds may trap them near the surface. It advised people to avoid outdoor activities and use masks if necessary.
The IMD also said that these weather conditions may have an impact on the Diwali celebrations, which are scheduled for November 12. It said that people should avoid bursting firecrackers as they may worsen the air quality and cause respiratory problems. It also urged people to follow the COVID-19 protocols and celebrate Diwali in a safe and eco-friendly manner.
