The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rainfall in Delhi and its neighboring states, including Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, on February 5. Specifically, a yellow alert has been issued for Delhi, signaling caution. Following Monday, the weather is expected to turn dry.
Foggy Conditions in Northern States:
Additionally, the IMD has warned of dense to very dense fog in isolated pockets of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab during the morning hours of Tuesday (February 6). Alongside this, Northwest India may experience a slight drop in minimum temperature over the next three days.
Previous Rainfall and Impact:
On the preceding Sunday, Delhi and nearby regions experienced rainfall. Notably, the minimum temperature in the national capital's Safdarjung observatory was recorded at 11.9 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. The impact was more severe in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, where heavy snowfall disrupted normal life, leading to canceled flights, road closures, and disruptions in services.
Weather Induced by Western Disturbance:
Attributed to a fresh western disturbance hitting Northwest India on February 3, the recent weather changes have been notable. The IMD anticipates heavy snowfall to persist in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Impact on Transportation in Jammu and Kashmir:
Transportation in Jammu and Kashmir was significantly affected, with canceled flights at Srinagar airport and a temporary halt in traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to a landslide in Ramban district. IndiGo, a private carrier, had to cancel several flights to Srinagar and Leh due to adverse weather conditions.
Avalanche Warning and Safety Measures:
Considering the heightened risk, authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning, urging residents to refrain from unnecessary movement for the next 24 hours. District administrations in affected areas have also issued alerts, advising travelers, commuters, and residents to exercise caution during periods of heavy snowfall.
Snowfall in Arunachal Pradesh and Its Impact:
Northeast India's Arunachal Pradesh experienced heavy snowfall, resulting in border towns receiving several feet of snow. This prompted authorities to issue avalanche warnings and district administrations to alert people, emphasizing caution. Stranded vehicles, including trucks, near the Sella Pass have left some travelers trapped for the last three days.
Current Situation in Specific Locations:
Certain locations in Arunachal Pradesh, such as Mechuka, Bomdila, Ziro, Sarli, Anini, and Tawang, continue to witness continuous and heavy snowfall. Tawang, for instance, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, dipping further to minus 2.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, February 2. The Met Department predicts inclement weather in Arunachal Pradesh, anticipating light to moderate snowfall and rainfall over the next week.
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