The fresh impact of strong western disturbance (WD) has affected northern India, parts of western and central India, bringing snowfall and rain. The States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been the worst-hit. According to sources in the India Meteorological Department, this prevailing western disturbance has also affected parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, North Western States, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat besides Bihar, bringing heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms/hailstorms.
The IMD has predicted that this rough spell is likely to continue for the next 48 hours till March 3 in most States and expected to prolong in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh till the end of this week. This will result in a drop in mercury particularly in the northern parts of the country. The sources said high altitudes of Kashmir like Pahalgam and Gulmarg experienced fresh snowfall ranging from 7.5 cm to 10 cm till Sunday morning. Heavy rain/snow is expected to continue in the State during the next 24 hours and adverse conditions will extend till March 8.
The weather scientists informed that the approach of WD in this region is causing rain and snow from Sunday. The State will witness heavy snowfall and rain till March 3. However, from Wednesday afternoon till next Monday morning there would be light rain and snowfall in intervals, they added. Further widespread rain and snow are expected on Monday in Himachal Pradesh, with the State having received 220.5 mm rains. Met scientists have predicted thundershowers at certain places in lower hills, rain in mid hills and snow in the higher reaches till March 6.
Similar situation prevails in Uttarakhand as well. As per Met predictions heavy rain/snowfall is likely to occur in the high altitude districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag for the next 48 hours till March 3. These districts were hit by flash floods in 2013 and are known to be vulnerable to natural calamities. The rest of the State would also be affected by heavy rain and snow during the period, said the sources.
Rajasthan was also lashed by moderate to heavy rain since Saturday night due to the WD. Bikaner recorded the maximum rainfall of 25 mm till Sunday afternoon, while Jaipur received moderate rain of 10 mm. Rain has also been predicted in parts of Gujarat as a result of the passing WD. Mumbai and Nagpur too have been witnessing wet conditions.
The WD refers to low pressure system originating in the Mediterranean that is driven towards the east by the Westerlies. In the process, it brings sudden winter rain and snow to the northwestern parts of India and adjoining countries. In the present situation, the WD is travelling across Afghanistan-Pakistan to move into northwest India.