Heavy Rain and Snowfall Expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh

Introduction:

- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange" alert for heavy rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh due to an intense western disturbance.

- Western disturbances are weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and bring unseasonal rainfall to northwest India.

Key Points:

1. First Intense Western Disturbance of the Season:

   - This is the first intense western disturbance of the season and will influence northwest and central India till October 17.

   - It is expected to bring heavy rain and snowfall in these regions.

2. Impact on Jammu and Kashmir:

   - Rains have already lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, while the higher reaches received light snowfall.

   - Widespread intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir from October 15 to October 17, with the main activity on October 15 and 16.

   - Temperatures are likely to drop significantly during this period.

3. Impact on Himachal Pradesh:

   - Himachal Pradesh is also expected to experience heavy rainfall during this period.

   - Thunderstorms and lightning are predicted in parts of the state.

4. Punjab and Other States:

   - Punjab may also experience heavy rainfall on Monday under the influence of the western disturbance.

   - Thunderstorms and lightning are predicted in multiple states including Uttarakhand, west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

5. Cyclonic Circulation and Moisture:

   - A cyclonic circulation has developed over central Pakistan and neighboring regions under the influence of the western disturbance.

   - There is a possibility of it merging with a fresh western disturbance on October 15.

   - This system is expected to receive moisture from the Arabian Sea, leading to an increase in rainfall intensity and distribution over northwest India.

6. Post-disturbance Effects:

   - Dry northwesterly winds from the Himalayas are likely to prevail over northwest India after the passage of the western disturbance.

   - As a result, temperatures are likely to fall by two to four notches from October 17 over the region.

Conclusion:

- The IMD has issued an "orange" alert for heavy rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh due to an intense western disturbance.

- People in these regions are advised to be prepared for adverse weather conditions and possible disruption of transportation.

- Farmers have been urged to postpone harvesting of crops during this period.

- The Indian Army has also expressed its condolences for the loss of an Agniveer recruit who died of a self-inflicted gunshot injury while on sentry duty.