What is western disturbance?

Western Disturbance

A Western Disturbance is an extratropical cyclone originating in the Mediterranean region. It is a weather phenomenon that brings unseasonal rainfall, snowfall, and fog to northwest India and neighboring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh during the winter months.

• Origin: Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, and Black Sea.
• Movement: Travels eastward towards India, propelled by the subtropical westerly jet stream.
• Impact: Causes significant winter precipitation in the form of rain in the plains and snow in the mountains of the Indian subcontinent. Can be beneficial for the rabi crops but also can cause floods, landslides and avalanches.
• Intensity: Varies in intensity, some are weak and cause light rain, while others are strong and can bring heavy snowfall and disrupt normal life.
• Role in Climate: It plays an important role in regulating the winter climate of the Indian subcontinent. A strong Western Disturbance can significantly lower temperatures and provide much-needed moisture for agriculture.