IMD Issues Rain Alert for Delhi-NCR and 9 States Today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a significant shift in weather patterns across North and Central India. A fresh Western Disturbance has become active, triggering alerts for rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowfall across 10 regions, including Delhi-NCR. This atmospheric change follows a period of intense fog and is expected to bring a marginal dip in temperatures while disrupting logistical operations across the northern belt. The impact of this weather system is anticipated to last for the next few days.

Rainfall and Logistical Disruptions in Delhi-NCR

The national capital and its surrounding areas are bracing for a wet spell on Tuesday. The IMD has issued a rain alert for Delhi-NCR, which is expected to bring down the minimum temperature to approximately 9°C. While the rain may clear some pollutants, it's accompanied by light to moderate fog. The prevailing weather conditions have already severely impacted railway operations, with over 60 trains running late by 7-8 hours. Passengers have been advised to check schedules as visibility remains a concern during the early morning hours.

Severe Weather Warnings for UP and Rajasthan

In Uttar Pradesh, the weather department has predicted rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in several districts, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Azamgarh. Meanwhile, Rajasthan is facing a more intense spell, with the IMD warning of potential hailstorms in specific pockets. The South-Eastern regions, particularly the Kota and Udaipur divisions, are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall over the next 48-72 hours. This shift is attributed to the interaction of the Western Disturbance with local moisture-laden winds.

Snowfall in Himalayan States and Regional Outlook

The Himalayan belt, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, is expected to receive fresh snowfall. In Uttarakhand, districts such as Nainital, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh are on alert for rain and snow, which will likely lead to a sharp decline in mercury levels. Similarly, high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh are predicted to experience significant snow accumulation, while in the plains, Punjab and Haryana remain under a rain watch, while Maharashtra may also see isolated spells of light rain due to the peripheral influence of the system.

Meteorological Analysis and Agricultural Impact

According to meteorologists, the current Western Disturbance is drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea, creating a low-pressure environment over North-West India. Analysts suggest that while the rain is generally beneficial for Rabi crops like wheat, any occurrence of hailstorms could pose a risk to standing crops in Rajasthan and parts of UP. In contrast, Bihar is expected to remain largely dry, though capital city Patna might experience morning fog with a minimum temperature hovering around 15°C.

Safety Advisory

The IMD has advised residents in the affected states to stay updated with local weather bulletins. Travelers are urged to exercise caution on highways due to slippery conditions and reduced visibility. As the Western Disturbance moves eastward, the cold wave conditions are expected to persist, with chilly winds likely to follow the rain. Local administrations in hilly terrains have been put on standby to manage any disruptions caused by snowfall or landslides.