Shimla, February 3:
Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness light to moderate rain and snowfall on February 3 and again on February 6 and 9, while dry weather is expected to prevail across the state from February 4, 5 and February 7, the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, said in its latest bulletin issued on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rain or snowfall may also occur at isolated places in the high hills on February 6 and 8, while no significant weather activity is forecast on February 4, 5 and 7.
Weather Conditions in the Past 24 Hours
During the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Monday, light to moderate rain and snowfall was recorded at a few places across the state. Kalpa received the highest snowfall at 10.5 cm, followed by Keylong (7.5 cm) and Sangla (6.5 cm). Manali recorded the highest rainfall at 22 mm, while Sarahan received 10.5 mm.
The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Tabo (-6.4°C), while the highest maximum temperature was reported at Una and Paonta Sahib (23°C).
Temperature Trends
IMD said minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 2–3°C over the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of 2–3°C over the subsequent three to four days. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged over the next 24 hours before rising gradually by 2–3°C later in the week.
Minimum temperatures remained above normal by 2–6°C at many stations, while maximum temperatures were mostly normal to near normal across the state.
Fog, Thunderstorms and Wind Warning
The weather office has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) at isolated places on February 3, particularly over mid and high hill districts including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba.
Dense fog is likely at isolated pockets in low hill and plain districts, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur, on February 3 and 4. Very dense fog was observed earlier in Bilaspur, while shallow fog was reported from Una.
IMD said a western disturbance is currently active over north Pakistan and adjoining Punjab, with an induced cyclonic circulation persisting over northeast Punjab.
Another fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from the night of February 5, which may influence weather conditions later in the week.
Advisory
Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees, secure loose objects and drive cautiously in fog-prone areas, using fog lights and maintaining low speed. Authorities have also urged people to stay updated with official weather bulletins.
