Shimla, May 1,
After a brief spell of hot weather and summer blues, Himachal Pradesh is once again under a veil of haze, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a prolonged period of mixed weather over the next ten days. An active Western Disturbance is expected to dominate the region, bringing intermittent rain and snowfall to the higher reaches and effectively preventing the onset of heatwave conditions.
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On Wednesday, the sky remained hazy and partly cloudy in several areas, with reduced visibility reported during the morning hours. The weather turned noticeably cooler due to dry conditions and cold breezes, leading to a significant drop in maximum temperatures — five to six degrees below normal in many districts — offering some respite from the sweltering heat experienced earlier in the week.
According to IMD officials, while the rain and snowfall events will likely last only two to three hours at a time, the weather pattern will continue to shift between sunny spells and wet phases. Higher-altitude areas such as Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the Manali region are expected to receive intermittent snowfall during this period.
The haze and dust-laden winds are likely to hamper visibility and impact both air and road traffic, particularly in the early morning hours. Fresh snowfall and persistently low temperatures may delay the opening of key mountain routes, including the Manali-Leh and Manali-Kaza highways, which are crucial for connectivity in the higher regions.
Agricultural experts have voiced concerns that the unstable weather could pose challenges to the ongoing Rabi crop harvest in mid-hill zones. However, the same conditions—cooler temperatures and unexpected moisture—may prove beneficial for the sowing of off-season vegetables such as tomatoes and Shimla mirch (capsicum), which tend to flourish during transitional weather spells.
With the weather expected to remain unpredictable, the IMD has advised farmers and commuters to keep a close watch on daily bulletins for localized updates. Authorities remain on alert for any disruptions in transport and agricultural activities as the system unfolds.
