IMD Issues Weather Alert for Himachal Pradesh: Rain and Snowfall Expected
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially issued a yellow alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and potential snowfall beginning Saturday, March 28. According to meteorological forecasts, this weather activity is anticipated to intensify significantly over the subsequent two days, impacting various regions across the state.
Forecast Details and Regional Impact
Senior scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, provided detailed insights in an interview with ANI on Friday. He indicated that light rainfall is expected in isolated areas such as Solan by Friday evening. Additionally, districts including Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu may also experience light showers during this period.
The weather system is projected to become active from the night of March 28, with its most pronounced effects likely to be observed across most parts of the state on March 29 and 30. Many regions are forecasted to receive light to moderate rainfall, while higher altitude areas could witness light to moderate snowfall. Specifically, higher-altitude districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur are expected to see snowfall, though no warnings for heavy rain or snowfall have been issued at this time.
Thunderstorm and Lightning Advisory
The IMD has also cautioned about thunderstorms and lightning in several districts under the yellow alert category. These districts include Una, Bilaspur, Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. Sharma emphasized that thunderstorm and lightning activity may occur in isolated areas, particularly in mid-hill districts. However, he reassured that no extreme weather events are currently anticipated, providing some relief to residents and authorities.
Temperature Trends and Expected Changes
According to IMD data, temperatures across Himachal Pradesh have remained near normal levels recently. For instance, Una recorded a maximum temperature of around 31°C, while Shimla and Solan reported temperatures close to seasonal averages. Sharma noted that day temperatures are expected to stay near normal on March 28. However, a notable drop of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius is likely between March 29 and 30 due to the active weather system moving through the region.
Weather Activity Timeline and Agricultural Concerns
Sharma projected that the weather activity is likely to ease starting from March 31, though some mid- and high-hill areas may continue to receive light to moderate rainfall. A more significant reduction in activity is expected from April 1, indicating a gradual return to calmer conditions.
The changing weather patterns have raised concerns for apple-growing regions in Himachal Pradesh, where flowering and fruit-setting processes are currently underway. Sharma flagged that these conditions could potentially impact crop yields, highlighting the importance of monitoring for local farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Seasonal Rainfall Deficit
On the topic of seasonal rainfall, Sharma reported that Himachal Pradesh has recorded approximately minus 17 percent below normal precipitation so far in March. While districts like Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan have received normal to above-normal rainfall, other areas continue to experience a deficit. This uneven distribution underscores the variability in weather patterns across the state and the need for continued vigilance in water resource management.
In summary, residents and visitors in Himachal Pradesh should prepare for unsettled weather conditions over the coming days, with the IMD's yellow alert serving as a crucial advisory for safety and preparedness measures.
