Dehradun: Over the past fortnight, Uttarakhand has been experiencing heavy rain and snowfall, resulting in severe cold from the mountains to the plains and posing significant challenges for the locals.
Meanwhile, weather experts have forecasted record snowfall this January, followed by higher-than-normal rainfall in the plain areas due to the western disturbances and impact of La Niña.
Unprecedented snowfall this year
It is anticipated that the Himalayas are going to witness unprecedented snowfall this year, breaking many previous records. January is expected to be exceptionally cold, and regions in the hills that haven’t seen snowfall in a long time may experience it again.
Influence of La Niña on the western disturbances will be beneficial
According to the scientists, the influence of La Niña on the western disturbances will lead to significant changes in the weather, particularly in the Himalayan region. Weather experts consider this change beneficial for the environment and farmers alike. Rohit Thapliyal. Scientist, Indian Meteorological centre, Dehradun, said to news9live, “There may be record precipitation in the month of January in the form of snowfall in higher regions and rains in plains. However, snowfall is expected to remain below normal this season across north India.”
Beneficial for environment and Farmers
Moreover, experts also believe that the impact of higher precipitation will contribute immensely in the field of agriculture. A good snowfall will increase the production of fruits, vegetables and other crops as there are many crops in the mountains that grow well after the snow, an expert said. “This higher precipitation will be beneficial for the environment and farmers as well.” said Rohit Thapliyal.
What is La Niña?
happens when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean drop significantly. This cooling affects tropical weather patterns, including wind, pressure, and rainfall. In India, it usually means heavier and longer-lasting rain during the monsoon season and colder winters in the northern regions. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the intensity of La Niña could increase by 60% by February 2025.
