Light rain, snow likely to end Himachal’s month-long ‘Dry Spell’

Himachal Pradesh’s prolonged dry weather is expected to ease with light rain and snowfall likely over the next 24 hours in higher reaches of districts like Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Shimla, and Kangra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh Western Disturbance that may bring isolated showers and snowfall to these regions, ending a month-long dry spell.

Over the past 24 hours, weather conditions have remained mostly dry and sunny, with night temperatures dipping notably. Tabo in Spiti valley recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at -1.7°C. Other minimum temperatures included Kukumseri at 1.6°C, Keylong at 4.4°C, and Kalpa at 5°C. Popular tourist destinations also registered chilly nights: Manali at 7.6°C, Solan at 10°C, and Shimla at 13°C. Daytime temperatures, however, remained warm, reaching highs of 33-34°C in various low-lying areas.

Though not as much as in other states of North India but the dry spell has contributed to deteriorating air quality, with dust and pollution levels expected to increase. With the ongoing festival season, additional factors like increased firework usage and stubble burning for Rabi sowing may further impact air quality.

A break in dry weather with some precipitation may provide temporary relief to these conditions, though more significant weather changes are needed to fully counteract the effects of the prolonged dry period.