IMD Alert: Winter Rain & Dense Fog to Hit Rajasthan as Western Disturbance Intensifies

 

IMD has warned of winter rain and dense fog across parts of Rajasthan as a western disturbance becomes active later this week. The system is expected to lower night temperatures, affect visibility and bring relief to rabi crops in some regions.

IMD Alert: A fresh spell of winter weather is set to unfold across north India over the next week, with changing conditions already visible in parts of Rajasthan and a sharper turn expected in Jammu and Kashmir. Light drizzle in Jaipur, dense fog across several districts and a steep dip in night temperatures are early signs of two back-to-back western disturbances that meteorologists say could bring rain, snowfall and travel disruptions between January 22 and 28. While the weather is likely to benefit rabi crops in many areas, authorities have urged caution for commuters, travellers and farmers as fog, cold nights and snow-bound roads pose fresh challenges.

Rajasthan sees early signs as drizzle, fog mark shift in winter pattern

Jaipur witnessed light drizzle on Tuesday, even as most parts of Rajasthan remained dry through the day. However, moderate to dense fog was reported at several locations during the early morning hours, sharply reducing visibility and signalling a change in prevailing winter conditions.

Temperature readings across the state showed wide variation. Jawai Dam in Pali district recorded the highest maximum temperature at 30.4 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, while the lowest minimum temperature dropped to 4.6 degrees Celsius at Pali (AWS). The contrast highlights how cold nights continue to dominate despite relatively warmer daytime conditions in parts of the state.

Two western disturbances to bring winter rain to Rajasthan

According to the India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, a strong western disturbance is expected to become active between January 22 and 24. The system is likely to bring winter rainfall, locally known as mawath, to parts of the state.

A second western disturbance is forecast to affect Rajasthan from January 26 to 28, potentially reinforcing the impact on temperatures and precipitation. Officials say the close succession of these systems could result in fluctuating weather conditions through the final week of January.

Rain, thunderstorms forecast in multiple divisions

On January 22, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, along with the Shekhawati region. Similar conditions are expected to continue on January 23 across the Bikaner division, Shekhawati, and parts of the Jaipur, Ajmer and Bharatpur divisions, raising the likelihood of more widespread winter showers.

The weather is expected to turn relatively dry again on January 24 and 25. However, meteorologists have warned of a further drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures during this period, along with the formation of dense fog at isolated places, particularly during late night and early morning hours.

Fog advisory issued; farmers see potential benefits

The Meteorological Centre has advised residents to remain cautious during foggy conditions that could disrupt road and rail travel. Reduced visibility during peak morning hours may impact commuters, especially on highways and rail routes passing through low-lying areas.

For farmers, the anticipated winter rainfall could prove beneficial for rabi crops across several districts. Authorities have, however, urged growers to remain alert to short-term weather changes and plan field activities accordingly.

Kashmir braces for rain, snow as mercury dips sharply

In Jammu and Kashmir, winter has tightened its grip with temperatures plunging well below freezing in several areas. Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar dipped to minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and other higher reaches also reported sub-zero night temperatures, underscoring the severity of the cold spell ahead of the forecast snowfall.

The region’s Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for adverse weather conditions from January 22 to 28, warning of moderate to heavy rain and snowfall during this period.

Heavy snowfall likely in higher reaches, key routes at risk

The first western disturbance, expected between January 22 and 24, is forecast to be the more intense of the two, with peak activity on January 23. Heavy snowfall and rainfall are likely over the Pir Panjal range, including parts of the Chenab Valley, and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir.

Areas such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Kupwara-Sadhna Pass and several districts in Jammu Division could see significant snow accumulation. A second, relatively moderate system is expected from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, with peak impact on January 27.

Travel disruption, landslide risk prompt caution

The advisory warns of possible disruption to surface and air transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar Highway and other major roads in the higher reaches. There is also a heightened risk of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph at vulnerable locations.

Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan journeys carefully and stay updated on road conditions. Residents in snow-bound areas have been cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone zones, while farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation, fertiliser application and chemical spraying during the adverse weather period.