North India Weather: Rain Alert in 9 States Until February 14

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a comprehensive weather advisory indicating a prolonged winter season for North India. Despite the onset of February, the cold wave shows no signs of receding. According to the latest meteorological data, an active Western Disturbance is set to trigger heavy rainfall across seven states in North India, while two other states are also expected to witness moderate precipitation. This atmospheric shift suggests that the biting cold will continue to affect the region until at least February 14.

The IMD report highlights a dual threat of heavy snowfall in the mountainous regions and widespread rain in the plains, which will collectively lead to a further dip in mercury levels. On top of that, a cold wave warning has been issued for 21 districts across the country. The peak of this weather activity is expected on February 2 and February 3, during which most of North India will remain under cloud cover with high chances of thunderstorms.

Rainfall and Snowfall Alerts Across Nine States

A total of nine states are currently under weather alerts, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Eastern Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. According to the department, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are likely to experience high-velocity winds reaching up to 50 kmph on February 2 and February 3. These hilly regions are also braced for heavy snowfall, which may disrupt essential services and transportation. In the plains, states like Punjab, Haryana, and Eastern Rajasthan are expected to witness rain accompanied by lightning, while parts of Maharashtra may see unseasonal showers.

Atmospheric Conditions in Delhi-NCR and Surrounding Areas

The National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, experienced dense fog this morning, Importantly impacting visibility during early hours, while while the sky is expected to remain clear during the day, the IMD has predicted a consistent drop in minimum temperatures. The maximum temperature in the capital today is estimated at 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to hover around 9 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists suggest that cold winds originating from the snow-clad mountains will keep the chill alive in Delhi-NCR until mid-February, while residents are advised to prepare for gusty winds that may increase the perceived cold during the evenings.

Regional Forecast for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Uttar Pradesh is bracing for significant rainfall as the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for several districts, including Prayagraj, Lucknow, Raebareli, Sonbhadra, Lalitpur, Kanpur, Amethi, Pratapgarh, Chandauli, and Barabanki. These areas are likely to experience moderate to heavy showers, ensuring that the winter chill remains intense until February 14. In contrast, the weather in Bihar remains relatively stable. According to the IMD, no rain alerts have been issued for any district in Bihar, and the weather is expected to remain dry until February 5. However, light fog and mild cold will continue to characterize the early morning hours in the state.

Meteorological Analysis of the Current Weather Pattern

According to weather analysts, the current climatic volatility is primarily driven by a series of Western Disturbances impacting the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. Analysts state that the interaction between these disturbances and moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea is creating conditions conducive to rain and hailstorms. This year, the intensity of these disturbances has been notably high, leading to an extended winter duration. While the rain might prove beneficial for the Rabi crops in certain belts, experts warn that any instances of hailstorms could pose a risk to standing crops. A gradual rise in temperature is only anticipated after February 14.