The weather has once again taken a turn in Himachal Pradesh. A period of strong winds has started along with fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the state and rain in the lower areas. The Meteorological Department has warned of bad weather in the state for the next few days and has issued an alert of rain, snowfall and thunderstorm in many districts. Due to the activation of Western Disturbance, the effect of cold has started increasing again in the hilly areas of the state.
fresh snowfall here
Fresh snowfall was recorded on the higher peaks of Lahaul-Spiti district on Thursday morning. Snowfall was seen in many parts of Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Shinkula Pass, Rohtang Pass, Koksar and Lahaul Valley. Due to fresh snowfall, the temperature in these areas has dropped and the cold has increased once again. Light rain occurred in Manali and Sainj Valley of Kullu district in the afternoon, while hailstorm was also seen in some low-lying areas.
Weather will remain bad till March 17
According to the Meteorological Center, the weather patterns will change in many parts of the state for the next 4 to 5 days. There is a possibility of intermittent snowfall in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Chamba, while the lower areas like Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Solan may experience rain with thunderstorms and strong winds. The department has expressed the possibility of worse weather on March 14 and 15. Intermittent rain and snowfall may continue in the state on March 16 and 17 also.
Due to snowfall, movement on some routes in high altitude areas has been limited as a precaution. The administration has temporarily stopped the movement of vehicles beyond Jispa on the Manali-Leh highway, so that any kind of accident can be avoided. However, local traffic is still normal in many areas of Lahaul Valley and tourists are also heading to these areas to enjoy the snowfall.
Rain became a relief for gardeners
This rain has brought relief to the farmers and gardeners who have been facing drought-like conditions for a long time. Local farmers say that there was no rain in the valley since January and the temperature was also continuously increasing. In such a situation, crops and horticulture work are expected to benefit greatly from fresh rain and snowfall.
drop in temperature
According to the Meteorological Department, due to the effect of western disturbance, the temperature may drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days. There is a possibility of increase in morning and evening cold in tourist places like Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie. Besides, the possibility of hailstorm and strong thunderstorm has also been expressed at some places.