Kanpur: The Kanpur division is likely to miss seasonal winter rains this year due to prevailing climatic conditions, raising concerns among farmers who hoped for precipitation to support their crops. Weather experts say there are no indications of winter rainfall in Uttar Pradesh, including the Kanpur division, forcing farmers to opt for alternative irrigation arrangements.Weather expert S Sunil Pandey of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA) said the ongoing winter has remained largely dry because of the absence of snowfall and adequate rainfall in the hilly regions. “Almost all hills are barren and appear black or brown. If there was snowfall, the hills would have turned white with snow cover,” he said. Explaining the reasons behind the prolonged dry spell, Pandey attributed it primarily to the lack of strong western disturbances. These cyclonic systems, originating in the Mediterranean Sea, normally carry moisture to the Indian subcontinent. However, most western disturbances during the 2025–26 winter season were weak and failed to generate significant rain or snowfall in the Himalayan region, resulting in dry conditions across the plains. The western Himalayan region witnessed a severe “snow drought”, with almost no rainfall or snowfall in Dec 2025 and early Jan 2026. The absence of snow in the hills reduced the formation of induced cyclonic circulations that usually trigger rainfall over Uttar Pradesh. Pandey noted that several recent western disturbances tracked at higher latitudes, passing north of India and missing the plains altogether. A persistent shift in the subtropical westerly jet stream altered normal weather patterns, diverting these systems away from the region. Scientists also point to rising global temperatures as a factor influencing the frequency and intensity of western disturbances, making winter weather increasingly erratic and warmer, and leading to reduced precipitation. Meanwhile, the region remained under the grip of dense fog and cold-day conditions. Experts say this stable and dry atmosphere, coupled with persistent fog, acts as a barrier to rain-bearing clouds. Pandey added that as of mid-Jan, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) did not record any significant weather systems affecting the region, though forecasts indicate the possibility of relatively stronger systems later in the month.
