Worries over water rise as western disturbances pale

For millions of years, moist winds from the Mediterranean have blown over the Indian highlands, watering winter crops, topping up Himalayan snow, and feeding millions in the subcontinent.

- Vijay C Roy

However, western disturbances (WDs) are now changing their spots, posing challenges for farmers and casting a cloud over water security.

Western disturbances arrive primarily between December and February period, bringing rain and snow to northwest and north India. According to weather experts, the number of western disturbances in the last three months was the highest in the last five years, but they were far weaker, resulting in the highest rainfall deficit in those months.

The change could potentially heighten temperature variability and lengthen dry spells, raising concerns among experts.