IMD Issues Orange Alert for Parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh Due to Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall

The Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh areas might expect significant rainfall and snowfall over the next two to three days, according to a “orange” notice issued on Saturday by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the IMD, this is the first significant western disturbance of the season, and it will have an impact over northwest and central India until October 17.

Weather phenomena known as western disturbances, which have their origins in the Mediterranean, deliver unexpected rainfall to northwest India. This weather system may bring Monday’s heavy rains to Punjab as well. During this time, there is a chance of thunderstorms and lightning in some areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

Under the influence of the western disturbance, a cyclonic circulation has evolved over central Pakistan and the surrounding territories. On October 15, the IMD predicts that it will become much stronger, potentially combining with another western disturbance.

It is expected that this system would pull moisture from the Arabian Sea, increasing the amount and distribution of rainfall throughout northwest India at the same time.

Temperatures in northwest India are predicted to decrease by 2 to 4 degrees starting on October 17 as dry northwesterly winds from the Himalayas take control of the lower tropospheric levels after the passage of the western disturbance.

Green (no action required), yellow (watch and remain informed), orange (be prepared), and red (take action) are the four color designations that the IMD uses for weather warnings.