Asia Press Agency

Tag: Orange Alert

  • IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall

    IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall and snowfall in several northern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, on February 18th and 19th. This forecast comes as a result of the influence of a fresh western disturbance affecting the region.

     

    In addition to heavy precipitation, isolated hailstorms have been predicted over parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Division, and Uttarakhand on the same days. This alert underscores the potential for significant weather disturbances and highlights the need for caution among residents and travelers in these areas.

     

    The Meteorological Department in Himachal Pradesh has also issued a yellow warning for heavy rain/snow, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds, and lightning at isolated places on February 20th and 21st. This warning indicates the possibility of adverse weather conditions persisting beyond the initial orange alert period.

     

    The upcoming heavy rainfall and snowfall pose various challenges, including the risk of landslides, avalanches, and disruption of transportation networks. Local authorities and disaster management agencies are likely to be on high alert to respond promptly to any emergencies and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

     

    Reacting to the three-day weather alert, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri emphasized the preparedness of the administration in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the previous successful efforts in managing snowfall-related issues and expressed confidence in the decentralized approach adopted by the Public Works Department to address road-clearing operations swiftly. Bidhuri also noted the influx of tourists and the upcoming Khelo India Games in Gulmarg, indicating the importance of efficient infrastructure management during adverse weather conditions.

     

    In Uttarakhand, the weather department has similarly warned of very heavy rainfall/snowfall at isolated places on February 19th and heavy rain and snow on February 20th. These forecasts highlight the need for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize risks associated with inclement weather.

     

    Meanwhile, in Delhi and surrounding regions, shallow fog was observed in the morning, with the IMD predicting light to moderate rain in several areas over the next two days. The expected rainfall comes as welcome relief from the prevailing dry weather conditions and offers prospects for improved air quality in the national capital and its vicinity.

     

    The IMD’s weather forecasts serve as vital information for various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and disaster management. Authorities and stakeholders rely on these predictions to make informed decisions and implement appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of adverse weather events.

     

    As the orange alert remains in effect for several northern states, it is essential for residents and travelers to stay updated on weather advisories and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. By staying informed and prepared, individuals can better cope with the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and minimize potential risks to life and property.

  • Orange Alert Issued for HP as Snowfall Disrupts Life

    Orange Alert Issued for HP as Snowfall Disrupts Life

    The regional meteorological center in Shimla has issued an ‘Orange’ alert for Himachal Pradesh, signaling forecasts of snowfall across the state for the next two days. The weather department has warned of light to moderate snowfall at most places and heavy snowfall at isolated places, particularly in the lower Himalayan regions. The advisory includes alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms until February 6.

     

    The weather forecast follows the recent snowfall in Himachal Pradesh since January 31, causing disruptions in vehicular movement. Approximately 485 roads, including four national highways, are currently closed for traffic. The state emergency operation center provided information on the blocked roads, with Shimla having 161, Lahaul and Spiti having 153, Kullu having 71, and Chamba district having 58 blocked roads. Additionally, 485 transformers and 68 water supply schemes are facing disruptions.

     

    Public Works Department (PWD) officials are actively involved in extensive efforts to swiftly clear the snow from the roads as part of ongoing operations, according to the administration.

     

    Shimla, the state capital, experienced a brief spell of snowfall on Saturday, bringing delight to locals and tourists in Himachal Pradesh. However, the ongoing snowfall has led to challenging conditions, and authorities are working to address the aftermath.

     

    Intense cold wave conditions persist in the rest of Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures remaining one notch below normal. The maximum temperature in the hill state also stayed below normal, and the overall weather remained dry. During the night, Kukumseri recorded the lowest temperature at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius, with Narkanda, Kalpa, Dalhousie, and Manali experiencing chilly conditions at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, minus 3.1 degrees Celsius, and minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. Shimla registered a minimum nighttime temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius.

     

    The cold wave conditions extended throughout the North Indian region, with the national capital Delhi recording a temperature of 6.7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. Dense fog in several areas continues to disrupt vehicular movement in Delhi. The challenging weather conditions are prompting residents and authorities to take necessary precautions and make preparations for further disruptions.

  • HP Set for Snowfall and Rainfall After Prolonged Dry Spell

    HP Set for Snowfall and Rainfall After Prolonged Dry Spell

    After experiencing a prolonged dry spell, several regions in Himachal Pradesh are set to witness snowfall and rainfall in the next 48 hours, according to the latest weather forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has issued an orange alert for the state, indicating the likelihood of heavy snowfall in certain districts, while a yellow alert has been issued for other areas, signaling possible thunderstorms.

     

    The affected districts where heavy snowfall is anticipated include Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Mandi, and Shimla. The weather activity is expected to commence from Tuesday late night and persist until the morning of February 2. Additionally, the IMD has predicted snowfall in the high-altitude areas of the state, along with rain in the plains.

     

    Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD, provided insights into the forecast, stating, “During the next five or six days right from tonight, there are possibilities of rain and snow in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. The rain activity will start tonight. On January 31 and February 1, in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu, there are chances of moderate to heavy snowfall. We have issued an orange alert for these areas. There are chances of rain and thunderstorms with lightning activities in districts of Kangra, Bilaspur, and Shimla.”

     

    He further explained that after February 2, the weather activity is expected to subside, followed by another western disturbance approaching on February 3. On February 3 and 4, rain is anticipated in the plain areas, while higher reaches are likely to experience snowfall. The temperatures, which have been above normal, are expected to decrease after the rain.

     

    The IMD has specifically issued an orange alert for districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur, highlighting the potential for significant snowfall in the higher mountain regions between January 31 and February 1. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for other areas, indicating the possibility of thunderstorms.

     

    Sandeep Kumar Sharma also mentioned that a thunderstorm alert has been issued for the day across Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Sirmaur. The orange alerts for districts like Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur indicate the heightened risk of weather-related disruptions.

     

    Over the last 24 hours, the lowest minimum temperature in the region was recorded at minus 4.9 degrees Celsius at Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti district. The second-lowest temperature was noted at Kalpa in Kinnaur, reaching minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.

     

    The anticipation of snowfall and rainfall is a welcome development for Himachal Pradesh, which has been grappling with a prolonged dry spell. Such weather activities are crucial for the replenishment of water resources, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater, supporting agriculture and sustaining the ecosystem. However, authorities are also vigilant about the potential challenges posed by heavy snowfall, including disruptions in transportation and potential avalanche risks in certain terrains.

     

    As the weather patterns evolve, residents and authorities will closely monitor the developments, and preparations will be in place to respond to any adverse impacts or emergencies arising from the anticipated snowfall and rainfall in the coming days.

  • Delhi Faces Winter’s Lowest Temperature at 3.3°C

    Delhi Faces Winter’s Lowest Temperature at 3.3°C

    On Tuesday morning, Delhi grappled with severe cold as the minimum temperature plummeted to 3.3°C, marking the lowest of the winter season. The maximum temperature settled at 19.7 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog, with the minimum temperature recorded four notches below the season’s average, as per IMD data.

     

    The weather department forecasts a partly cloudy sky with dense to very dense fog in the morning hours today and tomorrow. Following this, moderate fog conditions with a clear sky are expected until January 21, along with the continuation of cold wave conditions until tomorrow.

     

    A persistent thick layer of fog has enveloped the city for the past few days, with visibility recorded below 200 meters on Monday. The minimum temperature has consistently hovered around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, with January 14 and 15 registering 3.5 degrees Celsius, Saturday at 3.6 degrees Celsius, and Friday at 3.9 degrees Celsius and the lowest at 3.3°C. This dense fog has caused delays in around 18 Delhi-bound trains on Monday, according to railway officials.

     

    The Delhi airport issued an advisory for passengers, urging them to contact airlines before traveling due to severe fog conditions that resulted in significant flight delays. The airport authority, through a social media post, stated, “Due to dense fog, flight operations at Delhi Airport may be affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.” They expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.

     

    IndiGo Airlines also released an official statement acknowledging the impact of low visibility and dense fog on their flight operations on January 14, causing delays and cancellations. They assured passengers of continuous updates and efforts to facilitate travel, expressing sincere regret for any inconvenience caused.

     

    As the city copes with the weather challenges, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 341, categorized as ‘very poor’ at 6:00 am today. This is a slight improvement from the AQI of 398 recorded yesterday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In response to deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on January 14 re-imposed restrictions under Stage III of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR). Additionally, the Delhi transport department has imposed a ban on construction work and certain vehicles to combat the severe air pollution.