Shimla, Jan 19,
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall at many places in Himachal Pradesh on January 23, raising hopes of an end to the nearly three-month-long dry spell.
According to the latest weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, the prevailing western disturbance and two more western disturbances approaching in quick succession from the night of January 22 are expected to significantly change weather conditions across the state .
The IMD said that the impact of these systems may intensify on January 23, when rain is likely at many places in the low and mid hills, while snowfall is expected over higher reaches, including tribal and upper mountain areas.
The forecast comes after only light snowfall was reported in the high reaches on January 18, following which temperatures across the state plunged by two to three degrees, reviving cold wave conditions in several districts.
The fall in temperatures was particularly noticeable in the capital region, where minimum temperatures dropped by around two to three degrees compared to the previous day, making mornings and nights colder.
Several districts continue to remain under cold wave or severe cold wave conditions, even as daytime temperatures stayed relatively above normal.
Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest at (–7.1) degrees, followed by Kukumseri at (–4.0) degrees and Kalpa at (–2.4) degrees. Minimum temperature of tourist resort Narakanda and Reckong Peo at 0.7 degrees each.
Stations with slightly higher minimum temperatures were Bhuntar and Solan at 1.5 degrees, Kufri and Seobagh at 1.8 degrees, Berthin at 1.9 degrees, Una at 2.0 degrees, Manali at 2.9 degrees, Sundernagar and Palampur at 3.0 degrees each, Shimla and Kangra at 3.4 degrees, Mandi at 3.6 degrees, Bajaura at 3.7 degrees, Jubbarhatti at 4.5 degrees, and Bilaspur at 5.0 degrees. Warmer nights were reported from Kasauli at 6.0 degrees, Sarahan at 7.2 degrees, Nahan at 8.8 degrees, Paonta Sahib at 9.0 degrees, and Neri at 9.1 degrees.
The IMD has cautioned that rain and snowfall may further intensify the cold, particularly during night and early morning hours, and advised people in higher reaches to remain alert to possible road disruptions due to snow and slippery conditions.
With the expected widespread precipitation on January 23, the long-awaited rain and snow may finally bring relief to increasing forest fire mishap and water-stressed regions, while also marking a decisive shift in Himachal Pradesh’s winter weather pattern.
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