The weather in northern India is poised for significant changes as two active Western Disturbances are expected to impact the Himalayan region in the coming days. These disturbances will bring precipitation, including snowfall in the higher reaches of the mountains, while the plains of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will continue to grapple with dense fog, affecting daily life and transportation.
Understanding Western Disturbances and Their Impact
Western Disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that move eastward and influence the weather patterns of northern India. These systems primarily bring moisture-laden winds that result in rainfall and snowfall, particularly in the western Himalayas. They are crucial for maintaining the winter precipitation levels in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that two Western Disturbances are set to impact the region in quick succession. The first disturbance has already started showing its effects, with increased cloud cover and light rain in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The second, expected in a few days, is predicted to be stronger and could bring widespread snowfall and rain across the Himalayan states.
Potential Weather Changes in the Himalayan Region
Due to these active systems, the higher altitudes of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will experience moderate to heavy snowfall. This will significantly impact areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Manali, and Kedarnath. The snowfall is expected to disrupt normal life, affecting transportation routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which often witnesses closures due to snow accumulation and landslides.
In addition to snowfall, lower altitudes, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR, may receive intermittent rainfall. This will help in reducing pollution levels but could also lead to a sudden drop in temperatures, increasing the chill factor across northern India.

Dense Fog Expected to Persist in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh
Even as the Western Disturbances influence the mountainous regions, dense fog will continue to trouble the plains, especially in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has issued warnings regarding reduced visibility, which will severely impact road, rail, and air travel.
Impact of Fog on Transportation and Daily Life
- Road Transport: The dense fog leads to extremely low visibility, increasing the risk of road accidents. Highway authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and use fog lights while traveling, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
- Railways: Train services in northern India often face delays due to poor visibility. Several long-distance and intercity trains have already been reported running behind schedule due to foggy conditions.
- Air Travel: Flights operating from airports in Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Lucknow may experience delays or cancellations due to the persistent fog. Passengers have been advised to check their flight schedules before heading to the airport.
- Health Concerns: The prolonged foggy conditions lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. The drop in temperature combined with high humidity can aggravate conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Precautionary Measures and Government Advisories
Authorities have issued several advisories to mitigate the adverse effects of the impending weather changes.
- For Mountainous Areas: Tourists and residents in higher altitudes have been warned about the possibility of avalanches and heavy snowfall. People traveling to these regions should carry adequate winter gear and keep track of weather updates.
- For Fog-Affected Regions: Commuters have been advised to limit unnecessary travel during peak fog hours and ensure vehicles have proper safety measures in place. Schools in some districts of Uttar Pradesh have already announced schedule changes to prevent students from being exposed to extreme weather.
Long-Term Weather Outlook
Meteorologists predict that after the passage of these Western Disturbances, a cold wave could set in across North India, bringing temperatures down to single digits in many areas. The combination of cold winds and existing moisture could lead to frost formation, particularly in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
As the impact of these disturbances unfolds, residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated with official weather bulletins and take necessary precautions to deal with the changing climatic conditions.