Heavy Weather Activity Over Hills And Plains Of North India: Damaging Hailstorm Likely
Key Takeaways:
- North India has experienced an unusually dry winter with large rainfall and snowfall deficits.
- An active western disturbance is set to bring the season’s first significant wet spell.
- Heavy snowfall is likely over higher reaches, with rough weather risks in the hills.
- Plains may face patchy but intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds.
North India has escaped the wrath of typical severe winter weather activity. Reaching almost the far end of the season, the region has not faced the usual fury of inclement weather conditions in terms of precipitation. The hills are barren and the plains desolate too, for want of snow and rain, respectively. The seasonal deficit has grown too large to be compensated fruitfully. Yet, there is consolatory hope of partial recovery soon, albeit rather late in the timeframe.
Active western disturbances, the lifeline of winter weather, have remained infrequent and irregular so far. Water bodies have been squeezed and pushed nearly to the edge of breakdown. The situation is alarming and critical, calling for immediate relief. Expectations are now building up, and reprieve is likely, though only partial for the time being.
An active western disturbance has arrived over Kashmir and Ladakh. A deep-amplitude upper-air trough is positioned favourably in the rear, at an ideal distance from the surface position. An induced circulation is also marked over central Pakistan and the border areas of Rajasthan. This trio of weather systems will work in tandem to bring the first typical winter wet spell, simultaneously impacting the plains and mountains of North India. The spell will not be very long, especially for the plains. Yet, on a conciliatory note, it will bring cheer where it matters most.
The mountain ranges are likely to receive heavy snowfall, commencing anytime soon and continuing for the next 36 hours. Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh will be at risk of extremely rough weather, while Uttarakhand will be comparatively better placed. Mountainous terrain remains vulnerable and often responds unpredictably. Cloudbursts, landslides, rolling rocks, snowstorms, severe thunderstorms, and lightning could be some of the hazards accompanying this adverse weather spell.
The plains of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and more critically the foothills, will also need to stay alert to adverse weather conditions. The most punishing impact could come from heavy thunderstorms or thundershowers accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds. Heavy downpours combined with gusty winds and hailstorms form a destructive mix for standing crops. Cash crops at the ripening stage may lodge, affecting both quality and yield. The only solace is that the intense weather activity will be patchy and confined to select pockets. The brief duration of hostile weather may allow farmers a quicker recovery.
