Several parts of Himachal Pradesh received light to moderate rain and snowfall over the last 24 hours, with heavy snowfall reported at isolated places.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday, temperatures dropped sharply throughout the state due to the prevailing weather conditions.
The IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla said the weather system caused a noticeable fall in both minimum and maximum temperatures. In high hill areas, minimum temperatures fell between minus 6°C and minus 1°C, while mid-hill regions recorded lows ranging from minus 1°C to 10°C. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 6.1°C.
Day temperatures also stayed well below normal by 4 to 8 degrees at most places. Upper hill regions recorded maximum temperatures between 0°C and 7°C, while mid-hill areas saw temperatures ranging from 4°C to 19°C. Bajaura in Kullu district witnessed the highest maximum temperature at 19.2°C.
Several areas witnessed heavy rainfall. Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded 55.4 mm of rain, Saloni in Chamba received 50.8 mm, Nagrota Suriyan in Kangra got 48.4 mm, and Seobagh in Kullu recorded 47 mm. Bilaspur, Mandi and Solan districts also reported rainfall exceeding 40 mm.
Heavy snowfall occurred in the upper areas of the state. Kothi in Kullu district received 75 cm of snow, followed by Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti with 51 cm, Khadrala in Shimla district with 40.6 cm and Gondla with 36 cm. Manali received 28 cm of snowfall, while Kufri recorded 11 cm.
The IMD witnessed thunderstorms and lightning at places such as Shimla, Jubberhatti, Sundernagar, Bhuntar and Kangra. Strong winds were also recorded, with Kufri witnessing wind speeds of up to 94 kmph, followed by Kalpa’s Reckong Peo at 72 kmph and Narkanda and Mashobra at 57 kmph.
Cold day conditions persisted in Kangra district, while severe cold day conditions were witnessed in Una, Mandi and Manali. Shallow fog was also recorded at Kalpa.
The IMD said the current weather is due to an active western disturbance over Jammu and adjoining areas. It added that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of January 30.
As per the forecast, light to moderate rain and snowfall is likely at most places in the state on February 1, with heavy snowfall expected at isolated higher reaches. Dry weather is likely on January 29, while light rain or snowfall may occur at isolated places on January 28, 30, 31 and February 3. Minimum temperatures may fall further by 3 to 4 degrees over the next three to four days, while maximum temperatures are expected to rise gradually by 4 to 6 degrees.
The weather office has also warned of cold wave conditions and dense fog at isolated places over the low hills and plains in the coming days. Residents and tourists have been advised to take necessary precautions.
Also Read: Snow turns Kedarnath into a winter wonderland
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