Don’t get happy seeing sunshine, severe cold is still ahead, rain alert issued for Punjab, Haryana and other states

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): After the last two days of slight relief from cold across North India, including Delhi-NCR, the improvement in weather is expected to be short-lived. Those planning to pack away winter clothes are advised to wait, as a fresh spell of harsh weather is likely due to heavy snowfall in the hilly regions and the activation of new weather systems.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the first western disturbance will become active on January 23, while the second is expected to affect the region between January 26 and 28. Due to this, rainfall, strong winds and intense cold conditions may return across North India.

Weather to change from Friday

IMD stated that the western disturbance will enter North India late Thursday night, with visible impact from Friday onwards. Delhi-NCR and several nearby regions may witness rainfall along with a rise in cold conditions. Weather instability is expected from the hills to the plains.

Heavy snowfall warning in hilly areas

The western disturbance is likely to have the strongest impact in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. As per the weather department, heavy snowfall is expected in higher altitude areas till the night of January 23. Rain and snowfall may lead to a sharp drop in temperatures. Alerts for hailstorms and strong winds have also been issued in some areas.

Rain and strong winds in plains

Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, western Uttar Pradesh and northern Rajasthan are likely to experience moderate rainfall and thunderstorms from tonight till Friday. Winds may blow at speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour, which could further intensify the cold.

Rain likely in Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR is expected to remain cloudy throughout Friday, with chances of light to moderate rainfall. A dip in temperatures is likely, while strong winds during morning and evening hours may make the cold feel more severe. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.