Himachal Pradesh on alert for snow, rain and plunging temperatures -

Shimla, Feb 24,

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A significant wet spell is expected to hit Himachal Pradesh from the night of February 25, 2025, continuing until the noon or evening of March 1, 2025. During this period, heavy to very heavy rain and snowfall are likely at isolated places, particularly on February 26, 27, and 28, prompting weather alerts across the state, stated a IMD release.

The weather disturbance is driven by a fresh Western Disturbance seen as a cyclonic circulation over north Iran, extending from lower to upper tropospheric levels, it added. This system is expected to bring higher moisture from the Arabian Sea into the Western Himalayan region, creating favorable conditions for widespread rain and snowfall.

The IMD release informed that under this influence, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall activity accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are expected to begin from midnight on February 25 and continue until noon on March 1. Adding that, isolated heavy to very heavy rain and snowfall are particularly likely on February 26, 27, and 28.

Districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher reaches of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur are expected to witness light to moderate snowfall from the night of February 25 until the morning of March 1, it informed. Isolated heavy snowfall is predicted in Lahaul-Spiti on February 27 and 28 and in Kinnaur on February 28, with a yellow alert issued for these areas.

The IMd further added that the lower districts, including Solan, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, and remaining parts of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu, are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the same period.

Stating further that heavy rain and snowfall are expected over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi from February 26 to 28, with isolated very heavy precipitation on February 27, leading to an orange alert. Shimla and Sirmaur may also see isolated heavy rain and snowfall on February 27 and 28.
On February 27 and 28, isolated heavy rainfall is anticipated in Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur, while Solan may experience similar conditions on February 28, under a yellow alert. Popular tourist destinations like Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Solang Valley, Dalhousie, Sissu, and their adjoining areas are likely to receive light snowfall with occasional moderate spells from the morning of February 26 to noon on March 1, predicted the media release. Shimla city and its surroundings may also see light rain and snowfall during this period.

The expected moderate to heavy precipitation could lead to various disruptions, including slippery roads causing vehicle skidding, low visibility, traffic congestion, and possible collisions. Essential services and outdoor business activities may also be affected in some locations. Residents and travelers are advised to drive carefully, limit outdoor activities, take adequate safety measures, and follow advisories issued by the state government and concerned departments.

Temperature fluctuations are also expected, with no significant changes until February 25. After that, minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 4-5°C, while maximum temperatures could drop by 5-7°C across many parts of the state until February 28. Cold day conditions are likely to prevail in lower hills, plain areas, and mid-hills on February 26 and 27, prompting a yellow alert. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected at isolated places over lower hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hills on February 25, 26, and 27.

Over the past 24 hours, most weather stations in the state recorded normal or near-normal minimum temperatures, though some isolated locations reported temperatures below normal by 2-3°C. Maximum temperatures remained above normal by 3-5°C at most places. Kukumseri emerged as the coldest location in Himachal Pradesh with a minimum temperature of -11.2°C. In other parts of the state, Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 6.2°C, Dharamshala 4.8°C, Mandi 7.6°C, Solan 5.2°C, and Una 6.4°C — the latter also registering the highest maximum temperature of 26.8°C. Nahan recorded 8.3°C, Bilaspur 8.0°C, Kangra 7.4°C, and Keylong 9.7°C. Among the state’s airports, Bhuntar (Kullu Airport) reported a minimum of 4.0°C, Jubberhatti (Shimla Airport) 7.2°C, and Gaggal (Kangra Airport) 4.8°C.

As the state braces for this extended spell of rain and snowfall, the public is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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