Himachal Weather: As of December 20, the IMD has issued a rain and snow alert for the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu
Himachal Weather: According to a senior weather official on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of rain and snowfall in the upper ranges of Himachal Pradesh for a period of 72 hours starting after December 20.
Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, told ANI that while there was sporadic cloud cover during the previous 24 hours, the weather across the majority of the state remained mostly clear.
“Temperatures have largely remained near normal,” Sharma said, noting that the highest recorded temperature was 24°C at Paonta Sahib in the Sirmaur district. The highest temperature recorded in Shimla was 16.2°C, which is almost 2°C above average.
On the colder side, Tapo observed minus 2.0°C, while Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 4.1°C. Sundernagar reported a low temperature of 5°C, while Shimla recorded a minimum of 12.2°C.
“Temperatures across most other regions are near normal, with slight variations in Shimla and Manali,” he said. According to Sharma, early in the morning, thick to moderate fog was seen in Bilaspur’s lower plains.
A western disturbance is predicted to enhance cloud cover starting at night on December 20, according to the IMD.
“The upper elevations of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and the alpine regions of Kangra are probably going to get some light rain and snowfall. The top regions of Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra may also get some light snowfall, while Mandi may see some light rain in a few locations, Sharma said. Although cloud cover may continue, he said there is little prospect of rainfall on the plains.
“The whole state is expected to experience weather activity on December 21, which might possibly result in a decrease in temperature. Temperatures are predicted to rebound to around average levels once the weather clears starting on December 22, he added.
Sharma said that while it is predicted to be generally clear today and tomorrow, there may be sporadic light rain and snowfall in the upper ranges of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti late on Friday night. “Cloudy conditions will prevail in the plains, and light rain may occur in parts of Mandi and Kullu districts,” he said.