Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Fresh Snowfall and Heavy Rainfall
Amidst an orange alert, the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh experienced a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, while the mid and low hills were lashed with moderate to heavy rainfall. This weather event has significantly impacted daily life and travel in the region.
Snowfall and Rainfall Data Across Districts
Snowfall was recorded in high-altitude areas of several districts, including Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra. Light to moderate rainfall affected parts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi.
According to the meteorological centre in Shimla, specific snowfall measurements by Thursday morning were as follows:
- Gondhla: 13 cm
- Keylong: 12 cm
- Kukumseri: 11.4 cm
- Hansa: 10 cm
- Kalpa: 0.4 cm
Rainfall totals recorded until 8:30 AM on Thursday highlighted the intensity of the downpour:
- Kullu district: 37.3 mm
- Kinnaur: 16.9 mm
- Lahaul Spiti: 11.6 mm
- Chamba: 10.8 mm
- Shimla: 7.3 mm
- Kangra district: 6.5 mm
The state recorded an average rainfall of 11.6 mm, which is a staggering 233% higher than the normal rainfall of 3.5 mm for this time of year.
Temperature Drops Below Normal Levels
Due to the continuous snowfall and rain, maximum and minimum temperatures remained below normal at most places in Himachal Pradesh. Kukumseri recorded the lowest minimum temperature of -0.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Minimum temperatures across key locations were notably lower than usual:
- Shimla: 7 degrees Celsius (1.5 degrees below normal)
- Dharamshala: 8.2 degrees Celsius (3.2 degrees below normal)
- Nahan: 10 degrees Celsius (6.5 degrees below normal)
- Solan: 9.4 degrees Celsius (0.2 degrees below normal)
- Manali: 3.1 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees below normal)
- Mandi: 11.7 degrees Celsius (0.6 degrees below normal)
Maximum temperatures also saw significant declines:
- Shimla: 12.6 degrees Celsius (5 degrees below normal)
- Bhuntar: 15.4 degrees Celsius (8.4 degrees below normal)
- Kalpa: 8.1 degrees Celsius (4.2 degrees below normal)
- Dharamshala: 17 degrees Celsius (6.3 degrees below normal)
- Una: 17.6 degrees Celsius (12.2 degrees below normal)
- Manali: 11.6 degrees Celsius (6.3 degrees below normal)
- Mandi: 18.9 degrees Celsius (9.7 degrees below normal)
Neri in Hamirpur recorded the highest maximum temperature of 20.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, which was still relatively cool for the season.
Ongoing Weather Alerts and Travel Disruptions
The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain and snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh for March 20 as well, indicating continued adverse conditions.
In terms of travel disruptions, the Manikaran-Barshaini link road was blocked again due to a landslide at Ghatigarh in the Parvati valley of Kullu on Thursday. This incident trapped many tourists, adding to the challenges posed by the weather. The road had previously been blocked due to landslides on March 16 and February 24. According to an official, debris removal work was immediately initiated, and the road was reopened by Thursday evening, but the recurring issue highlights the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure during such weather events.
Residents and tourists are advised to exercise caution and stay updated with weather forecasts as Himachal Pradesh navigates this period of intense snowfall and rainfall.
