Himachal Pradesh Sees Rainfall and Snowfall, Temperatures Plunge Amid Weather Alert
Providing much-needed respite from the intensifying heat, various regions across Himachal Pradesh experienced light rainfall on Friday. This occurred as the weather department maintained an orange alert for the state. Precipitation was reported in isolated pockets of several districts, while high-altitude areas witnessed light snowfall.
Rainfall and Snowfall Distribution Across Districts
The rainfall activity was concentrated in parts of Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Chamba districts. Concurrently, light snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of the state. This weather event led to the blockage of seven roads in the high-altitude zones, as confirmed by the District Disaster Management Authority.
Affected roads include:
- Koksar to Rohtang Pass
- Darcha to Sarchu
- Gramphu to Batal
Significant Drop in Maximum Temperatures
The rainfall and snowfall contributed to a notable decrease in maximum temperatures across numerous locations in Himachal Pradesh. Data from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla highlights the following temperature readings, all recorded in degrees Celsius:
- Sundernagar: 28.2°C, which is 2.2 degrees below the normal level.
- Mandi: 27.7°C, registering a substantial 6.5 degrees below normal.
- Bhuntar: 22.4°C, 4.9 degrees below the expected norm.
- Manali: 18°C, marking 4.1 degrees below normal.
In contrast, some areas saw temperatures above normal. Shimla recorded 23°C, 1.3 degrees above normal, while Dharamshala reached 28°C, 0.8 degrees above normal. Una recorded the highest temperature at 34.8°C, though this was still 0.5 degrees below normal. Keylong in Lahaul Spiti district recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 2.5°C.
Rainfall Data and Weather Forecast
Between April 1 and April 17, Himachal Pradesh received 57.6 mm of rainfall. This figure is 52% higher than the normal rainfall of 37.9 mm for this period, indicating above-average precipitation.
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department forecasts light rain and snow in isolated parts of the state on April 18 and 19. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts for these dates. Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated with real-time weather advisories.
