Western Disturbance to Bring Rain and Snow Across the State
Shimla, March 7 – Himachal Pradesh is set to witness five days of wet and chilly weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain and snowfall from March 9 to March 13. The Western Disturbance affecting the region is expected to bring snowfall in higher altitudes and rainfall in lower areas, leading to a drop in temperatures.
While the weather department has not issued any warnings or alerts yet, residents and travelers are advised to prepare for weather disruptions, especially in high-altitude regions where fresh snowfall may impact transportation and daily life.
Weather Forecast: Snowfall in Higher Reaches, Rain in Mid and Low-Lying Areas
According to the IMD’s latest forecast, the weather pattern will unfold as follows:
- March 9 – Light snowfall is expected in high-altitude areas.
- March 10 – Rain and snowfall will intensify across mid and high-altitude regions.
- March 11-13 – Widespread bad weather expected across the state, with rain in plains and fresh snowfall in mountainous districts.
Districts Most Likely to Witness Snowfall:
- Lahaul-Spiti
- Kinnaur
- Chamba (Upper Regions)
- Kullu (Higher Reaches)
While plains and mid-altitude areas will see moderate rainfall, higher elevations will experience significant snowfall, possibly disrupting travel and essential services.
Impact of Previous Snowfall: Disruptions in Tribal Areas
The recent heavy snowfall last week had already thrown life into chaos in several districts of Himachal Pradesh.
- Avalanches struck remote areas in Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba, though no casualties were reported.
- Transport services were severely disrupted, with several key mountain roads blocked due to heavy snow accumulation.
- Electricity supply was affected in many tribal regions, adding to the challenges faced by locals.
The restoration of blocked roads is still underway, with teams from local administration and the Border Roads Organization (BRO) working round the clock to clear snow and restore connectivity. Power supply, too, is gradually being restored in affected areas.
With another round of snow and rain approaching, residents and travelers should prepare for possible disruptions once again.
Temporary Relief from Cold as Sun Shines Bright
After the recent cold spell, the past two to three days have brought clear and sunny weather, providing much-needed respite from freezing temperatures.
- Shimla, Manali, and other hill stations enjoyed bright sunshine, reducing daytime cold.
- However, night temperatures have continued to fall, keeping early mornings and late evenings chilly.
According to IMD records, the state’s average minimum temperature has dropped by 1.6°C over the past 24 hours, indicating that while the days may feel warmer, the nights remain cold.
Shimla’s Nights Warmer Than Plains – An Unusual Phenomenon
Interestingly, Shimla’s night temperatures have been recorded as warmer than some of the state’s plains.
While Shimla recorded a minimum of 8.5°C, lower altitude districts like:
- Una – 5°C
- Kangra – 7.9°C
- Bilaspur – 6.2°C
This unusual trend can be attributed to cloud cover and geographical positioning, which often results in temperature inversions in hilly areas.
Coldest Places in Himachal Pradesh
Among the coldest regions in the state, Lahaul-Spiti’s Kukumseri recorded the lowest temperature at -8.5°C, followed by:
- Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti) – -7.5°C
- Kalpa (Kinnaur) – -1.7°C
- Manali – 1.6°C
- Solan – 4°C
- Dharamshala & Una – 5°C
- Mandi – 7.6°C
- Shimla – 8.5°C
The temperatures in these regions will likely drop further in the coming days due to incoming snowfall and rain, making conditions colder, especially in high-altitude areas.
Precautions for Residents and Tourists Amid Weather Changes
As Himachal Pradesh braces for another round of snow and rain, residents and visitors must take necessary precautions:
For Local Residents:
- Stock essential supplies, as transport disruptions are likely in snow-prone areas.
- Ensure power backups, as electricity supply may be affected.
- Prepare for cold temperatures, particularly in tribal and high-altitude regions.
For Tourists and Travelers:
- Avoid unnecessary travel to higher altitudes during snowfall.
- Check weather and road conditions before planning trips to destinations like Manali, Rohtang Pass, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba.
- Wear proper winter gear, as cold conditions will persist in the evenings and nights.
Authorities have not yet issued a weather warning, but travel advisories may follow if snowfall intensifies.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
