Rain and Snow Likely in J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh Till March 31
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Fresh Western Disturbance to bring rain and snowfall from March 28–30
- Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh to see precipitation
- Snowfall likely over higher reaches; intensity peaks on March 29–30
- Rainfall deficit may reduce slightly but not fully recover
The Western Himalayan region is set to witness a fresh spell of rain and snowfall as a relatively stronger Western Disturbance approaches by the night of March 28. This system is expected to bring much-needed precipitation to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, where rainfall has remained below normal for most of March.
Despite the passage of multiple Western Disturbances throughout the month, their impact has been weaker than expected. As of March 25, only Uttarakhand has recorded a rainfall surplus of around 21%. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh remains deficient by nearly 13%, and Jammu & Kashmir has recorded a sharp deficit of about 45%. The situation is most concerning over Ladakh, where precipitation has been extremely poor, with a deficiency exceeding 100%.
This indicates that most Western Disturbances in March have failed to deliver widespread rain and snowfall across the Western Himalayas. However, their indirect impact has been observed over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, where scattered rain and thunderstorms have occurred.
With the arrival of the upcoming system, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh are likely to start receiving scattered rain and snowfall from the evening of March 28. The intensity and coverage of precipitation will increase significantly on March 29 and 30, extending to Uttarakhand as well.
Higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive fresh snowfall, which may improve snow cover across elevated regions. By March 31, the intensity of precipitation will gradually reduce, leading to improved weather conditions.
From April 1 onward, clearer skies and stable weather are expected across the Western Himalayan region.
Although this spell of rain and snowfall may help reduce the ongoing rainfall deficit across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, it is unlikely to fully compensate for the seasonal shortfall.
Looking ahead, a few more Western Disturbances are expected to affect the region during the first half of April. However, as April progresses, both the frequency and intensity of these systems are likely to decline.
Overall, the Western Himalayan region is expected to end March with a rainfall deficit, indicating a relatively weak season for Western Disturbances.
