Weather Update: Western Disturbance Brings Rain, Snow, and Thunderstorms to Northern India; Cyclonic Circulation Brings Rain to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a Western Disturbance and associated cyclonic circulations are likely to bring light to moderate rainfall and snowfall to the Western Himalayan region, while the plains of Northwest and Central India may witness scattered showers. Additionally, the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Here are the details

Western Disturbance and Cyclonic Circulations

A Western Disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation are set to bring rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms to North and Central India from January 11-12, 2025.

1. Western Disturbance:

• A Western Disturbance located over Southeast Iran is interacting with an induced cyclonic circulation over Southwest Rajasthan.

• This system is likely to cause light to moderate rainfall/snowfall over the Western Himalayan region on January 11-12, while the plains of Northwest and adjoining Central India may experience scattered rainfall from January 11-12.

2. Thunderstorms and Hailstorms:

• Thunderstorms: Isolated thunderstorms are expected across West Rajasthan on January 11; and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh on January 11-12.

• Hailstorms: Possible over West Rajasthan on January 11, and over Uttarakhand, Punjab, South Haryana, East Rajasthan, and West Madhya Pradesh on January 11 as well.

3. Southern Peninsula Rains:

• A cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to cause light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala during January 12-14, with isolated heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu on January 12.

Temperature Forecast:

Temperatures across India will fluctuate, with a brief rise in the northwest and central regions followed by a drop, while east and southern regions see a gradual warming trend.

• Northwest India: A rise of 2-3°C is expected over the next three days, followed by a fall of 2-4°C.

• Central India: Temperatures will rise by 3-4°C over the next two days and then decline by about 2°C.

• East India: Steady temperatures for the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of 2-4°C over the subsequent four days.

• Maharashtra and Gujarat: Similar trends with a rise of 2-3°C followed by a drop of 2-4°C.

Cold Wave and Fog Warnings

Cold wave conditions and dense fog are expected to impact several regions over the coming days. Isolated pockets in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience severe cold wave conditions, while dense to very dense fog is anticipated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of Central and Eastern India.

Weather Forecast for Delhi/NCR (January 11-13, 2025)

Delhi/NCR will see a mix of clear skies, light rain, and foggy conditions over the next few days, with fluctuating wind patterns influencing air quality and visibility.

Residents in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh should protect themselves from cold wave conditions, while travelers in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan should be cautious of dense fog, especially during early mornings and nights. Farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab are advised to safeguard crops from potential hail damage.