Srinagar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Government of India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, has issued a press release today forecasting a fresh intense western disturbance that is expected to bring a spell of heavy precipitation and hailstorm activity across Northwest India, including Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, from October 5th to 7th, with the peak intensity on October 6th.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that the Union Territory of Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh is likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall on October 5th and 6th. The most significant weather event, however, is predicted for October 6th, with the region braced for very heavy rainfall as part of a wider system affecting Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh & Delhi.
The system is a result of a fresh Western Disturbance combining with high moisture feeding from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, leading to an intense spell of precipitation. Residents in vulnerable regions, particularly those in hilly areas, are advised to take necessary precautions. The forecast also includes the possibility of thunderstorm with gusty winds (speed reaching 30−50 kmph) over Jammu-Kashmir during the 5th to 7th of October.
Specifically for Jammu & Kashmir, the IMD has provided agrometeorological advisories: Immediately harvest matured crops of rice and maize and secure the produce in safer places. Postpone the sowing of rapeseed and radish.
Residents are urged to check for traffic advisories, avoid waterlogged areas, and stay clear of vulnerable structures. The general advice for the hailstorm activity—which is also likely over neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Punjab—is to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid taking shelter under trees.
While the focus remains on the upcoming western disturbance, the IMD also reported the ongoing southwest monsoon withdrawal line passing through 30∘N/81∘E today. ATP
