IMD forecasts rain, snow across North India from Feb 1

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally dry and cloudy weather across north India till the evening of January 31. However, a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the region from February 1, bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread places on February 1 and 2.

According to IMD, several parts of north India are likely to witness rainfall and snowfall, with heavy rain or snow in isolated areas, from February 1 onwards.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the harsh 40-day winter period known locally as Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21, will conclude on Friday. Towards the end of this phase, higher reaches of J&K received significant snowfall, while the Jammu plains witnessed rainfall. Srinagar and several other parts of the Kashmir Valley also recorded the season’s first snowfall recently.

As per the IMD’s latest outlook, the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to remain around 18°C, while the minimum may dip to about 7°C. The sky is expected to stay mostly cloudy through the week. There is a possibility of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph on the night of January 31. One or two spells of light rain are also likely on February 1.

The weather department added that February 1 and 2 may see light rain along with gusty winds, leading to a temporary dip in temperatures. After February 1, temperatures are expected to rise gradually, with minimum temperatures increasing to around 13°C and maximum temperatures touching nearly 19°C.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage III restrictions across Delhi-NCR on January 22, citing improvement in air quality. Officials said strong winds and rainfall helped disperse pollution particles, leading to better air quality conditions.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)