J&K, Himachal Rain and Snow on October 24-25 as Western Disturbance Nears

Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh can expect light rain and snow on Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 October, as a western disturbance moves in from the west, according to forecasts from the MeT department in Srinagar and Skymet Weather. Weather stays mainly dry till the evening of 23 October. Down To Earth, citing the IMD, reported that the disturbance will bring possible rain and thunderstorms to northwest India from 24 October, with snowfall at higher altitudes.

Cloudy Skies and Snow on the Heights in Kashmir

MeT Srinagar says 24 and 25 October will be cloudier, with light rain and snowfall over the higher reaches at a few places, and thunderstorms with gusty winds possible at isolated spots. Dry weather returns from 26 to 29 October, as reported by Brighter Kashmir. The forecast gives no temperature or snow-line figure.

Isolated Light Showers in Himachal’s Middle Hills

In Himachal, 22 and 23 October are mainly dry, Skymet said. On 24 October cloud builds from the west, with light rain at isolated places in the middle hills and light snow on the highest ranges, and a similar limited spell is possible on 25 October before the system moves east. Skymet describes it as a minor episode rather than a major precipitation event.

Anyone driving to high passes may meet slippery shaded stretches and reduced visibility. The IMD’s general advice is to stay out of open spaces and away from isolated trees and electricity poles during thunderstorms. Farmers in the hills are advised to protect harvested crops.

Delhi, Punjab and Haryana Get Showers Too

The same system is behind the rain forecast for the plains; see Punjab, Haryana Rain on Oct 24-25 After 10-Day Dry Spell. IMD’s next bulletins will show whether the snow forecast for Kashmir is revised; more are on the Weather Updates page.

Source: IMD Shimla weather forecast bulletin. Also based on reporting by Brighter Kashmir, Skymet Weather and Down To Earth.

Image: Skymet Weather.