Extreme weather in Asia

“Western disturbances” behind snowstorm in India

One reason for the sudden winter weather in India right now is called “western disturbances”. The phenomenon means that storms from the Mediterranean and Black Seas bring moisture across the continent.

The magazine Down to Earth writes that the storms have become weaker in recent years, which has created a lack of snow in the Himalayas, among other things. This is said to be due to shifting jet streams and climate change.

India Today, on the other hand, believes that the storms are becoming more intense because warmer air contains more moisture, which results in more rain when it passes over the northern parts of India.

The weather during the winter months is important for farmers who need the moisture during the growing season. The disadvantage is that there can be heavy rain in a short time, or intense snowstorms.

– This is the time when farmers wait for this type of rain, which is commonly called Mavath. It is favorable for crops, an official at the agricultural department told The Times of India.

Heavy snowstorm claims lives in Asia – 61 dead in Afghanistan

Heavy snowfall and cold have swept across several countries in Asia in recent days. At least 61 people have died in Afghanistan in the past three days, Taliban-controlled authorities said, according to Le Monde.

Most of the deaths are said to have occurred due to roof collapses or avalanches, but also due to the cold. At the beginning of the year, 17 people died under similar weather conditions, writes AP.

In Pakistan, nine people from the same family died in an avalanche on Friday. It took several hours before the rescue services could reach the bodies, reports AP.

In India, heavy snowfall swept across the northern parts of the country, resulting in hours-long traffic jams. Tourists from other parts of the country tried to travel north to experience the snow, but slippery roads left many stranded, and some tourists reportedly abandoned their vehicles and instead made their way on foot.