The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal, likely to bring significant weather changes to the region. Cold wave conditions are set to persist in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh over the next three days, with an orange alert issued for a severe cold wave in Himachal Pradesh.
Western Disturbance to Bring Snowfall and Rain
According to the IMD, a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact Northwest India and the Western Himalayan region with widespread showers and snowfall between December 27 and December 28. A cyclonic circulation currently over Rajasthan at lower tropospheric levels will contribute to this activity, resulting in snow and rainfall across several regions.
Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema: Light to moderate rains, with some intense spells, are expected from December 24 to December 26.
- Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad: Isolated snowfall or light rain is likely from December 22 to December 24.
- Western Himalayan Region: Widespread snowfall and rain are forecast from December 26 to December 28, peaking on December 27 and 28.
- Northwest and Central India: Scattered to widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms is expected in West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh on December 27 and 28.
Cold Wave Alert
The IMD has issued a severe cold wave alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 22 and 23. Additionally, cold wave conditions are predicted to affect Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Ladakh during the same period.
Dense Fog and Ground Frost Forecast
- Dense Fog:
- Likely in Odisha, Punjab, Jharkhand, and Haryana during early mornings and late nights on December 22.
- Forecasted in Himachal Pradesh on December 24 and 25.
- Expected in Meghalaya and Assam from December 22 to December 25, and in Sikkim and Sub-Himalayan regions from December 22 to December 23.
- Ground Frost:
- Projected in Uttarakhand on December 22.
- Expected in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh from December 21 to December 25.
The IMD has advised residents to take precautions against severe cold conditions, dense fog, and frost, which could disrupt daily activities and transportation. Travelers and farmers are urged to stay updated with local forecasts to avoid adverse impacts.