Weather changes in Himachal, season’s first snowfall in Shimla and Manali; orange and yellow alerts issued in several districts
Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): Weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh have changed suddenly. Shimla and Manali have received the first snowfall of the season, which is still continuing, while rainfall has started in Kangra. Strong winds have been blowing in Shimla since late night, and continuous rain in Chamba district has disrupted electricity supply in several areas.
On Thursday morning, cold wave conditions were observed in Barthin, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Mandi and Kangra. Minimum temperatures at 20 major locations across the state dropped below five degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for January 23 in Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kullu districts, warning of strong winds at speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour along with heavy snowfall.
A yellow alert has been issued for Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Solan districts due to the possibility of thunderstorms, hailstorms and rainfall. Snowfall is also likely on January 23 in Shimla city, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda and Solang Valley.
During the daytime on Thursday, bright sunshine was recorded across the state, leading to a rise in temperatures. Maximum temperatures were up to seven degrees Celsius above normal. Jubbarhatti recorded an increase of 3.7 degrees, Neri 2.9 degrees, Tabo 2.7 degrees and Hamirpur 2.5 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature in the state was recorded at Neri at 25.4 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures fluctuated between one and two degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, light rain and snowfall are expected on January 24, while heavy snowfall and rainfall are likely on January 26 and 27.
In tourist destinations like Manali and Lahaul-Spiti, sunshine prevailed throughout Thursday, but weather conditions changed around 8 pm. Late at night, snowfall occurred on higher peaks. During the day, tourists reached the Shinkula area in four-by-four vehicles and enjoyed playing in the snow.