Himachal Pradesh is bracing for another spell of severe weather from Monday, as snowfall, rain, hailstorms and thunderstorms are forecast to intensify across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts, urging residents and tourists to remain cautious amid a moderate to intense phase of precipitation over the next two days.
The IMD said this marks the second significant episode of adverse weather to hit the state this winter, even as many areas continue to struggle with prolonged cold conditions and widespread black ice, especially in higher reaches and interior regions.
Driven by an active western disturbance and conducive synoptic conditions, widespread precipitation is expected over most parts of Himachal Pradesh from the night of January 26 through the morning of January 28. Light to moderate snowfall is likely at several places, with a few heavy spells over high hill and adjoining mid-hill areas.
Well-known tourist destinations, including Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley and Sissu, are expected to witness fresh snowfall on Tuesday. At the same time, low hill regions and plains may experience light to moderate rain, with isolated intense spells.
Daytime temperatures are likely to drop by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, leading to cold day conditions in multiple districts. An orange alert has been issued for isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall in Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts on Tuesday.
The IMD has also sounded yellow alerts for potential hailstorms in Una, Bilaspur, Solan and Sirmaur districts, along with thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 70 kmph.
Officials have cautioned that relief and rescue efforts could be hampered due to slippery roads, reduced visibility and possible disruption of essential services. People have been advised to limit travel, steer clear of vulnerable areas and strictly follow advisories issued by the state administration as the weather system moves across Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
