The Aryavarth Express
Shimla, January 27: Himachal Pradesh experienced isolated rainfall and widespread snowfall in higher-altitude areas over the past 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Tuesday.
Significant snowfall was recorded in Lahaul-Spiti and nearby high-altitude regions, with Gondla receiving 22 cm, Kukumseri 21.3 cm, Kothi 20 cm, and Koksar 19 cm. Keylong recorded 12.5 cm, while Kalpa and Sangla saw 5.5 cm and 1.8 cm of snow, respectively.
Light to moderate rain was reported in parts of Chamba and Kullu districts, with Saloni recording 9.3 mm and Manali 6 mm. Thunderstorms occurred in Shimla, and shallow fog reduced visibility to around 500 metres in Kalpa. Gusty winds of up to 52 kmph were reported in Kufri and Narkanda.
The IMD noted that minimum temperatures have risen 2–5°C above normal in several areas, while maximum temperatures remained below normal at many locations. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at –8.9°C, while Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur recorded the highest maximum at 23°C.
The IMD has forecast isolated rain and snowfall across the state on January 27, with thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, occasionally reaching 60 kmph. Cold-day conditions are expected in lower and mid-hill areas, with cold wave and dense fog likely at isolated locations in the coming days.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of January 30, bringing another spell of rain and snowfall to Himachal Pradesh.
