Rain and Snow Likely in Himachal Pradesh Next Week, Cold Wave to Intensify

Shimla, March 8 – Himachal Pradesh witnessed clear and pleasant weather on Saturday, offering much-needed relief from the cold. Popular tourist destinations such as Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala basked in mild sunshine, attracting tourists and giving locals a break from the winter chill. However, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a significant shift in weather patterns next week, with the possibility of rain in the plains and snowfall in higher altitudes due to an active Western Disturbance.

Western Disturbance to Bring Snowfall and Rain from March 10

According to IMD, a Western Disturbance will become active over the Western Himalayan region from March 9, and its impact will be felt across Himachal Pradesh starting March 10. The department predicts light rain and snow in different parts of the state on March 10 and 11, while the intensity of the disturbance is expected to increase between March 12 and March 14.

During this period, widespread rain in lower regions and heavy snowfall in higher elevations could disrupt normal life. The affected regions include Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, and Chamba, where travel and daily activities may face significant disruptions due to heavy snowfall.

Cold Wave to Strengthen as Temperatures Drop

With the incoming Western Disturbance, temperatures across Himachal Pradesh are expected to plummet. From March 12 to March 14, widespread precipitation will lead to a significant drop in temperatures, intensifying the winter chill.

Higher regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Manali, and Chamba are likely to experience substantial snowfall, while moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the plains. The cold conditions could cause transportation challenges, road blockages, and power disruptions in snow-covered areas.

Farmers and Tourists Advised to Stay Updated

Despite the predicted change in weather, the IMD has not issued any formal warnings for farmers and tourists.

• Farmers: The upcoming weather is not expected to cause major harm to agricultural activities, and the current forecast suggests that crops will not be adversely affected. However, farmers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor weather updates to avoid any unforeseen damage to crops.
• Tourists: With snowfall anticipated in higher altitudes, visitors planning trips to Manali, Kufri, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti are advised to check weather conditions before traveling. Authorities have also cautioned that certain roads may be blocked due to snow accumulation, potentially causing inconvenience to tourists.

Weather Summary for the Past 24 Hours

Over the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh experienced stable weather conditions with temperatures fluctuating near seasonal norms. While some areas recorded a slight drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C, others witnessed an increase of 2°C in maximum temperatures.

Coldest and Warmest Locations in Himachal Pradesh

• Coldest regions: The lowest temperature was recorded in Keylong and Kukseri at -6.9°C.
• Warmest region: The highest temperature was observed in Una at 28.2°C.
• Rainfall Data: The state remained mostly dry, except for Manali, which recorded 1 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours.

Precautions for Residents and Travelers

Given the forecast for snow and rain, residents, and travelers should take necessary precautions:

1. Avoid unnecessary travel to higher altitudes from March 12 onward, as road blockages due to snowfall are expected.
2. Carry adequate winter gear, especially when traveling to areas prone to heavy snow.
3. Stay updated with the latest weather advisories to avoid disruptions in travel plans.
4. Farmers should ensure crop protection measures to mitigate any potential cold damage.
5. Emergency services and authorities should be on standby for possible road clearances and power restoration.