North India has largely escaped severe winter weather this season, with a major shortfall in rain and snowfall.

As the season nears its end, the hills remain snow-starved and the plains unusually dry, pushing the seasonal deficit beyond full recovery.

However, some late relief is now in sight. An active western disturbance has reached Kashmir and Ladakh, supported by a strong upper-air trough and an induced circulation over Pakistan and adjoining Rajasthan.

Together, these systems are expected to bring a brief but typical winter wet spell. Heavy snowfall is likely over Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh over the next 36 hours, while Uttarakhand may see lighter impact.

Parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh and Delhi could witness thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds, posing localised risks to crops and travel.