Dehradun, Feb. 12 -- A new research study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has highlighted a fundamental shift in the behaviour of Western Disturbances (WDs), a key weather system influencing rainfall and snowfall across the Himalayan region, raising serious concerns over climate resilience, disaster preparedness and water security in northern India, according to statement issued by IIT Roorkee on Wednesday. The study reveals that Western Disturbances are no longer confined mainly to the winter season and are now becoming increasingly active during the pre-monsoon months (March to May). Researchers found that these systems are travelling longer distances, accumulating more moisture, and triggering higher precipitation levels, particularly in the Himalayan region. This shift, the study warns, significantly increases the risks of flash floods, landslides and extreme rainfall events in the ecologically fragile mountain terrain, while also affecting long-term water availability in downstream regions. "Our analysis shows that Western Disturbances are undergoing significant seasonal and structural changes, particularly during the pre-monsoon period....