A western disturbance is the extra-tropical storm that brings rainfall over northwest India during winter. From which ocean does this disturbance originate?

Key Points

• Mediterranean Sea is the origin of the western disturbances that bring rainfall over northwest India during winter.
• Western disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, which cause winter precipitation in the Indian subcontinent.
• These disturbances travel eastwards, passing through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before reaching India.
• They play a crucial role in the winter rainfall and snowfall in the northern Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Himalayan region.

Additional Information

• The term "western disturbance" was coined by Indian meteorologists.
• These disturbances are important for the Rabi crop season in India, as they provide much-needed moisture for the crops.
• Western disturbances can also lead to cold waves and significant temperature drops in the affected regions.
• They are generally active from December to February, but can occasionally occur in November and March as well.