Guwahati: After enduring a January marked by significant precipitation deficits, India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim are gearing up for a wet start to February.
Mirroring the recent snow-laden respite experienced in the western Himalayas, the IMD predicts widespread rainfall and snowfall across Northeast in the coming days, The Weather Channel reported.
This change in fortune stems from a combination of factors. Residual impacts of western disturbances impacting North India are expected to bring moisture eastward, while cyclonic circulations over Bihar and South Assam are set to contribute further to the wet conditions.
The brunt of the precipitation is expected to be borne by Arunachal Pradesh, where moderate widespread rainfall or snowfall is likely over the next six days, with a possibility of isolated heavy snowfall on Friday, February 2.
Scattered showers are also forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura from Wednesday to Friday, with the added threat of isolated hailstorms in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.
Shallow to moderate fog may also blanket some pockets of these states over the next 24 hours. Given these predictions, the IMD has issued a yellow watch across the region, urging residents to stay updated and exercise caution, especially in areas experiencing heavy rains or snowfall.
The dry spell of January has left its mark, with most northeastern states facing massive precipitation deficits exceeding 80%. However, the upcoming wet spell offers a much-needed opportunity to bridge the gap and provide relief to the water-stressed region.