Shimlas Weather Turmoil: Rain, Hail, and Snow in Higher Reaches
The state capital of Shimla and its adjacent regions were struck by a severe thunderstorm on Sunday, featuring intense hail and rainfall. Simultaneously, the elevated areas in Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti districts witnessed a fresh layer of snowfall, creating a picturesque winter scene amidst the spring season.
Tourism Stakeholders Rejoice Over Snowfall
The recent snowfall has brought immense joy to tourism stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh. With a heat wave gripping the plains during the holiday period, the contrasting snowy landscapes in the hills are anticipated to significantly increase tourist footfall, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
However, concerns have emerged regarding a perceived disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, which could impact businesses and residents in the affected areas.
Meteorological Warnings and Alerts
The Shimla Meteorological Office has issued an orange warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in the districts of Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi for Sunday. Additionally, they forecast light rain and snow across the state until March 21.
Further alerts include an orange warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds between 40-50 km per hour in Kullu and Shimla, along with hail warnings for Solan and Sirmaur districts on Thursday, March 19.
A yellow alert has also been declared by the MeT for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in ten out of twelve districts, excluding Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, for Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Temperature Contrasts and Weather Patterns
In the past 24 hours, Nahan recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2°C on Saturday afternoon, indicating a heat wave, while Tabo was the coldest location at night with temperatures plummeting to 1.4°C.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India starting from the night of March 17, potentially bringing more weather changes to the region.
Impact on Visibility and Local Activities
Dark, convective clouds enveloped the sky, drastically reducing visibility in some areas. The upper hills of Manali, including the vicinity of the Atal Tunnel, experienced light snowfall, with videos of tourists enjoying the snow near the tunnel gaining widespread attention on the internet.
Residents and visitors in Shimla were seen walking with umbrellas and seeking shelter during the sudden downpour, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions.
