Himachal Pradesh Braces for Fresh Rain and Snowfall Spell as IMD Issues Weather Alerts
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is once again on the brink of experiencing a significant shift in its weather patterns, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a fresh spell of rain and snowfall across various regions. This comes after a period of relatively dry conditions, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the state's climate, where sunny spring days can swiftly transition into wet and wintry scenes over its lush pine forests and valleys.
IMD Official Details Upcoming Weather System
Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, provided detailed insights while speaking to ANI on Friday. He indicated that light rainfall is likely in isolated areas such as Solan on Friday evening, while districts including Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu may also witness light showers. Sharma emphasized that the weather system will become active from the night of March 28, with its impact being felt across most parts of the state on March 29 and 30.
"Many regions are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, while higher reaches may experience light to moderate snowfall," Sharma stated, underscoring the widespread nature of the impending weather event.
Yellow Alerts Issued for Multiple Districts
Starting from March 28, snow and rain are expected to increase in parts of Himachal Pradesh, prompting the meteorological department to issue yellow warnings. These alerts cover Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba districts, indicating potential disruptions and advising residents to take necessary precautions.
The region is anticipated to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated spots on March 28, with these conditions intensifying through March 30. While warnings extend to other areas on March 29-30, lighter snow and rain may persist statewide until April 2, suggesting a prolonged period of unsettled weather.
Temperature Drop Expected Across the State
Accompanying the precipitation, a notable drop in temperatures is forecasted. Minimum temperatures are expected to decrease by 3-5°C, and maximum temperatures by 3-6°C, making conditions feel significantly cooler overall. Higher-altitude areas like Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti are particularly at risk for snowfall, which could impact travel and daily activities in these regions.
Recap of Past 24 Hours Weather Conditions
In contrast to the upcoming wet spell, the state recently experienced mostly dry conditions, with only light rain reported in a few places. Minimum and maximum temperatures ran 2-5°C above normal in many spots, providing a brief respite before the expected chill.
Minimum temperatures recorded in various locations included:
- Shimla: 11.8°C
- Dharamshala: 7.2°C
- Manali: 7.1°C
- Kangra: 14.6°C
- Mandi: 14.3°C
- Solan: 12.3°C
- Bilaspur: 15.5°C
- Kalpa: 3.5°C
- Sundernagar: 13.3°C
- Bhuntar: 10.2°C
- Kufri: 6.6°C
- Kasauli: 13.1°C
- Paonta Sahib: 18°C
- Tabo: 3°C
- Kukumseri: 2.6°C
As Himachal Pradesh prepares for this weather shift, residents and travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed the IMD's warnings to ensure safety during the anticipated rain and snowfall period.
