The Aryavarth Express Shimla: Fresh spells of rain, hailstorm, and snowfall across several parts of Himachal Pradesh have caused a sharp drop in temperatures, bringing relief to the tourism and farming sectors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain and thunderstorm activity in the coming days and issued an Orange Alert for March 18 and 19.
Speaking in Shimla on Monday, IMD scientist Shobhit Katiyar said most districts of the state recorded rainfall and snowfall during the past 24 hours.
“Rain and snowfall were observed in almost all districts of Himachal Pradesh. Light to moderate rainfall occurred in the lower and mid-hill regions. Shimla received around 29.5 mm rainfall, while Mandi recorded about 23 mm,” he said.
According to the IMD’s morning bulletin, several stations reported notable rainfall, including Salooni (32 mm), Sarahan (29.5 mm), Bhabanagar (29 mm), Rampur (28 mm), Kataula (23.4 mm), Bhattiyat (23.1 mm), Manali (22 mm) and Bharmour (20.5 mm).
Higher-altitude areas also experienced fresh snowfall. Khadrala recorded about 10.2 cm of snow, followed by Kalpa with 6.4 cm. Gondhla and Jot received around 3 cm each, while Kukumseri recorded 1.5 cm.
Thunderstorms and lightning were reported in several areas, including Shimla, Kufri, Jubberhatti, Kangra and Sundernagar, while hailstorms were reported in parts of Shimla district.
The ongoing weather activity has led to a noticeable fall in temperatures across the state. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4°C and a maximum of 17.2°C, while Manali registered a minimum of 2.9°C. Dharamshala recorded 8.7°C. The lowest temperature in the state was reported in Tabo at –2.5°C, while the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Nahan at 28.7°C.
Katiyar said the weather conditions are likely to persist due to the influence of Western Disturbance.
“The current system is still active in Himachal Pradesh, and thunderstorms may continue in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Mandi and Kullu. Activity may reduce slightly on March 17, but a fresh and active western disturbance is approaching the region,” he said.
The IMD has forecast that the new western disturbance will affect northwest India from the night of March 17, with its impact likely to continue in Himachal Pradesh between March 18 and March 21.
Light rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in many parts of the state on March 19 and 20, while higher regions may receive fresh snowfall.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for March 18 and 19 for hailstorms and thunderstorms in several districts, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Sirmaur.
Officials added that the recent rainfall has helped improve the state’s rainfall deficit. Earlier in March, the deficit had reached nearly 98 percent, but the latest precipitation has significantly improved the situation and may further reduce the shortfall in the coming days.
