BY PC Bureau
Delhi and surrounding areas are expected to experience increased rainfall over the weekend, according to a yellow alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD predicts intermittent showers in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other parts of NCR, accompanied by a significant dip in temperatures.
Rainfall Forecast for Delhi-NCR
Delhi residents can expect smog or shallow fog across most areas, with moderate fog likely on Saturday morning. The IMD forecasts a generally cloudy sky with light rain and thunderstorms during the forenoon, followed by cloudy weather throughout the day. Shallow fog or smog is also anticipated on Saturday evening.
I drove from Jammu to Srinagar today. It snowed continuously from Banihal to Srinagar. The conditions were quite treacherous. I understand there are around 2000 vehicles stuck between the tunnel & Qazigund. My office has been in touch with the administration in South Kashmir.… pic.twitter.com/i8JOUDt4Fr
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 27, 2024
ON Thursday, Delhi recorded its highest December rainfall in 15 years, with 30.2 mm of rainfall measured at Safdarjung Observatory on Friday. The total December rainfall now stands at 42.8 mm. Officials attribute the rain and thunderstorms to an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures to 9.5°C—the lowest maximum temperature in five years. The minimum temperature recorded in Delhi on Thursday stood at 12 degree Celsius, according to IMD.
Western Disturbance Brings Snow and Rain to Northern India
A western disturbance swept through northern India on Friday, bringing fresh snowfall to Kashmir and widespread rain to Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Kashmir experienced its season’s first snowfall, causing a slight rise in minimum temperatures.
Delhi in winters is magical ✨️✨️ pic.twitter.com/WA3TK10TeE
— Rishiiii (@me_rishiiii) December 27, 2024
The IMD has predicted isolated light rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir until December 30. Rainfall and hailstorms in Chandigarh lowered the maximum temperature to 15.9°C, while dense fog and rain in Rajasthan intensified the cold and disrupted visibility.
Heavy Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
An orange alert for heavy snowfall and cold waves has been issued for Himachal Pradesh on December 28. Six districts, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur, witnessed heavy rainfall and snow.
From December 29, a renewed cold wave is expected to affect the plains of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una, with severe cold conditions likely in districts such as Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba until January 1. Dense fog on January 1 may further complicate travel, with Shimla recording a temperature of 5°C on Friday. A slight rise is anticipated on December 28, followed by a sharp drop after December 29.
Truth be told, no Indian city can match New Delhi, especially after it has rained at night. The crown jewel of the Republic of India. pic.twitter.com/uxI1LhOH8b
— T-1000 (@t_1000____) December 27, 2024
Season’s First Snowfall in Srinagar and Kashmir Plains
Srinagar and parts of Kashmir’s plains experienced their first snowfall of the season on Friday, breaking an extended dry spell. Light to moderate snowfall was reported across the valley, with higher altitudes receiving snow earlier in the day. By afternoon, plains, including Srinagar, saw snowfall.
Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, along with districts like Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara, also witnessed fresh snow. Weather conditions are expected to improve by Saturday forenoon, but intense cold persists, with temperatures remaining below the seasonal average despite a slight rise in nighttime temperatures.
