Himachal weather alert: Wet spell, hailstorm warning and snowfall forecast across state till March 21
Shimla, March 18,
Himachal Pradesh is set for a fresh wet spell from the evening or night of March 18 to the morning of March 21, with the Meteorological Centre Shimla forecasting light to moderate rain across low hills and plains, and light to moderate snowfall over high hills and adjoining mid-hill areas, including tourist destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley and Sissu.
The department has also warned that day temperatures may drop by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across many parts of the state between March 18 and 20.
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The forecast assumes significance because Himachal has so far recorded a sharp rainfall deficit in March. Between March 1 and March 18, the state received 31.4 mm rainfall against a normal of 67.7 mm, a deficit of 54 per cent.
Among districts, Sirmaur has recorded the steepest shortfall at minus 85 per cent, followed by Solan at minus 78 per cent, Kinnaur at minus 66 per cent, Kangra at minus 62 per cent and Bilaspur at minus 60 per cent. Even relatively better-performing districts such as Una and Mandi remained below normal by 33 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
Against this backdrop, the incoming western disturbance is expected to bring widespread precipitation to most parts of the state on March 19 and 20, offering some relief from the prolonged dry spell, though not without risks.
The weather office has issued an orange alert for isolated hailstorm over Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts on March 18 and 19, and over Kangra, Sirmaur and Solan on March 19. A yellow alert has also been issued for isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall in Chamba, Kangra and Kullu on March 19 and 20, and in Mandi and Shimla on March 20.
Thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Mandi during March 18 to 20.
The likely impact could be mixed for Himachal’s farm, orchard and tourism economy. While the wet spell may help reduce the rainfall gap and improve moisture conditions, the department has warned of possible damage to horticulture, standing crops, vulnerable structures and livestock in hailstorm-hit areas.
In districts under heavy rain and snowfall warning, slippery roads, low visibility, traffic congestion and temporary disruption of essential services and outdoor business activities are also likely. The weather office has advised
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