Question

On my visit to the queen of the hills, the city of Nainital in the month of December, there was snowfall and I stayed indoors. I was thrilled but also amazed as to why it occurred when it was cold winters.

1. What is the cause for the precipitation to occur at Nainital?
2. Explain the phenomenon which leads to the given situation.

Answer 1

1.  The cause for the precipitation to occur in Nainital during December is mainly due to the influence of Western Disturbances. These are temperate cyclones (low-pressure systems) that originate in the Mediterranean Sea region in West Asia. They travel eastwards and bring moisture to the northwestern parts of India, including the Himalayan region where Nainital is located. These disturbances result in winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains of northern India, including Nainital.
2. The phenomenon leading to the snowfall in Nainital in December is the arrival of Western Disturbances during the winter season. These disturbances bring moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean Sea, which, when they reach the colder Himalayan region, cool rapidly and cause precipitation. Because the temperature in Nainital during December is low enough (often below freezing in higher altitudes), this precipitation falls in the form of snow rather than rain. The combination of cold winter temperatures and moisture carried by these westerly winds is why snowfall occurs in the “queen of the hills” despite the cold season.