Weather Update: Heavy Rain in South India; Western Disturbance to Bring Rain, Snow, and Cold Wave in North India

India braces for a mix of weather conditions this week, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, while a fresh western disturbance is set to bring snow and thunderstorms to Northwest India. Adding to the chill, severe cold wave conditions are predicted in Himachal Pradesh, with dense fog and frost likely to disrupt visibility across multiple states. Here are the details

Low Pressure Area Over Bay of Bengal

A well-marked low-pressure area persists over the Southwest and Westcentral Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of South Andhra Pradesh and North Tamil Nadu. This system is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.

Rainfall Forecast:

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema: Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall is expected on December 25th.

• Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal: Isolated light to moderate rainfall is likely on December 24th, increasing in intensity on December 25th and 26th.

Western Disturbances and Rainfall in Northwest India

A cyclonic circulation over Punjab and an induced cyclonic circulation over Southeast Rajasthan are affecting the Western Himalayan region and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, an active western disturbance will influence Northwest India starting December 26th, with increased moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Rainfall and Snowfall Projections:

• Light to moderate rainfall/snowfall over the Western Himalayan Region on December 27th and 28th.

• Isolated to scattered rainfall across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh from December 26th to 28th.

• Thunderstorms with hailstorms are possible over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha during this period.

Temperature and Cold Wave Forecast

The minimum temperatures have experienced a mix of rises and falls across regions:

• Northwest India: A drop of about 2°C is expected over the next two days, followed by a gradual rise.

• Central and East India: No significant changes anticipated in minimum temperatures over the next five days.

Cold Wave and Frost Alerts:

• Severe cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh on December 25th, with isolated occurrences till December 26th.

• Isolated frost conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.

Fog and Visibility Concerns

Dense fog is likely during the early morning and late-night hours across parts of Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Assam till December 27th.

Weather in Delhi/NCR (December 25th to 27th)

The weather in Delhi/NCR is expected to feature a mix of cloudy skies, light rainfall, and foggy conditions over the coming days. Light rain and drizzle are forecast initially, followed by clearer skies. However, fog and smog are likely to affect visibility, especially during the early mornings and late evenings. Wind speeds will remain mild, with slight variations throughout the period. Rain is expected to return later, accompanied by cloudy skies and moderate fog.

The IMD continues to monitor these systems and will issue updates as necessary. Travelers, residents, and stakeholders are urged to remain alert and take precautions in affected regions.