After experiencing a prolonged dry spell, several regions in Himachal Pradesh are set to witness snowfall and rainfall in the next 48 hours, according to the latest weather forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has issued an orange alert for the state, indicating the likelihood of heavy snowfall in certain districts, while a yellow alert has been issued for other areas, signaling possible thunderstorms.
The affected districts where heavy snowfall is anticipated include Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Mandi, and Shimla. The weather activity is expected to commence from Tuesday late night and persist until the morning of February 2. Additionally, the IMD has predicted snowfall in the high-altitude areas of the state, along with rain in the plains.
Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD, provided insights into the forecast, stating, “During the next five or six days right from tonight, there are possibilities of rain and snow in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. The rain activity will start tonight. On January 31 and February 1, in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu, there are chances of moderate to heavy snowfall. We have issued an orange alert for these areas. There are chances of rain and thunderstorms with lightning activities in districts of Kangra, Bilaspur, and Shimla.”
He further explained that after February 2, the weather activity is expected to subside, followed by another western disturbance approaching on February 3. On February 3 and 4, rain is anticipated in the plain areas, while higher reaches are likely to experience snowfall. The temperatures, which have been above normal, are expected to decrease after the rain.
The IMD has specifically issued an orange alert for districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur, highlighting the potential for significant snowfall in the higher mountain regions between January 31 and February 1. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for other areas, indicating the possibility of thunderstorms.
Sandeep Kumar Sharma also mentioned that a thunderstorm alert has been issued for the day across Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Sirmaur. The orange alerts for districts like Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur indicate the heightened risk of weather-related disruptions.
Over the last 24 hours, the lowest minimum temperature in the region was recorded at minus 4.9 degrees Celsius at Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti district. The second-lowest temperature was noted at Kalpa in Kinnaur, reaching minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.
The anticipation of snowfall and rainfall is a welcome development for Himachal Pradesh, which has been grappling with a prolonged dry spell. Such weather activities are crucial for the replenishment of water resources, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater, supporting agriculture and sustaining the ecosystem. However, authorities are also vigilant about the potential challenges posed by heavy snowfall, including disruptions in transportation and potential avalanche risks in certain terrains.
As the weather patterns evolve, residents and authorities will closely monitor the developments, and preparations will be in place to respond to any adverse impacts or emergencies arising from the anticipated snowfall and rainfall in the coming days.
