Western disturbance returns: Himachal Pradesh braces for rain, snowfall

The Western Disturbance will once again become active in Himachal. Weather Department has predicted rain and snowfall in most parts of the state from February 17. Light snowfall is expected in the higher altitude areas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Due to the bright sunshine in the past 6 days, there has been an increase in heat in the mountains. This has made the weather pleasant for tourists in the hills. With the sunshine, the cold has started to diminish. The maximum temperatures of all cities in the state have increased. It is noted that the temperature of several cities has risen by up to 6 degrees Celsius from normal. Bhuntar in Kullu saw a rise of 3.0 degrees in maximum temperature. The maximum temperature of Bhuntar has been recorded at 20.1 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the temperature of Kangra has also risen to 20.5 degrees with an increase of 1.6 degrees from normal. Shimla has reached up to 15.4 degrees with a rise of 3.8 degrees, Dharamshala to 20.3 degrees with an increase of 1.6 degrees, and Sundernagar to 19.1 degrees with a rise of 2.5 degrees.

Sub-zero temperatures in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts Despite dry weather in the state, there is severe cold in the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.

The coldest place in Lahaul-Spiti remained Sundo with a recorded minimum temperature of -7.2 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in Kalpa of Kinnaur district, the minimum temperature was recorded at -1.2 degrees Celsius. There has been an increase in the minimum temperatures of other districts of the state. The minimum temperature of Shimla was recorded at 5.6 degrees, Sundernagar at 2.7 degrees, Bhuntar at 1.5 degrees, Dharamshala at 4.4 degrees, Una at 3.8 degrees, Nahan at 8.5 degrees, and Palampur at 4.5 degrees.

130 roads, including 3 national highways, closed in the state. Despite the opening of the weather after heavy snowfall 11 days ago, 130 roads affected by the snowfall could not be restored. Three national highways are closed due to snowfall, and 62 electricity transformers are damaged.

Meteorological Center scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma of Shimla said that with the active Western Disturbance from February 17, there will be a change in weather in Himachal Pradesh. The maximum impact of the disturbance will be seen on February 18 and 19. During this period, there will be snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts, while the lower areas may experience rainfall.