With three active western disturbances scheduled to affect the area over the next seven days, North India is preparing for a protracted period of unpredictable weather. The back-to-back systems are predicted to provide extensive rainfall in the surrounding plains, including the nation’s capital, and severe snowfall in the western Himalayas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
On January 22 and 23, the IMD has issued alerts for isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir. On January 23, similar conditions are expected in the higher regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Road connection might be severely impacted by snow accumulation in certain places, especially along mountain passes and popular tourist routes.
Precipitation in Himachal Pradesh is expected to start on January 22 as solitary to sporadic showers and become widespread between January 22 and 24. Beginning on January 22, Uttarakhand will have sporadic rain and snowfall. Between January 23 and 25, the intensity is predicted to increase, particularly in higher areas.
The changing weather will be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Wind speeds could reach 40–50 km/h over Jammu and Kashmir on January 23, while Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan may experience winds of 30–40 km/h between January 22 and 24.
Adding to the weather challenges, the IMD has warned of dense to very dense fog across parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar over the next two to three days. Reduced visibility could disrupt road, rail, and air travel, particularly during early morning and late night hours.
Temperature-wise, no major change in minimum temperatures is expected over northwest India for the next three days. However, meteorologists anticipate a gradual rise followed by a drop later in the week as the western disturbances move eastward.
Residents, tourists, and commuters are advised to stay alert and follow official IMD updates, as the extended wet spell may impact daily life, agriculture, and travel, especially in hilly terrain where landslides and slippery roads remain a concern.