Shimla, Feb 28,
Heavy snowfall and rainfall continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, with Kothi recording the highest snowfall at 120cm, followed by Khadrala at 115cm, Keylong at 75cm, and Kalpa at 46cm. Kukumseri received 38.8cm of snow, Sangla 23.5cm, while Nichar and Moorang reported 15cm each.
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Rainfall was equally intense, with Seobagh receiving 116.6mm, Bhuntar 113.2mm, Banjar 112.4mm, Jogindernagar 112mm, and Saloni 109.3mm. Other notable rainfall figures include Palampur at 99.2mm, Chamba 97mm, Rampur 95.6mm, and Jot 94.6mm. Baijnath recorded 75mm, Kangra and Karsog each received 74mm, and Rohru saw 70mm of rainfall.
Maximum temperatures saw an appreciable fall of 5-7°C below normal at most stations, with Kalpa recording the lowest minimum temperature at -2°C and Bilaspur registering the highest maximum temperature at 20.6°C.
The ongoing heavy snow and rain weather activity in Himachal Pradesh is expected to recede from the districts of Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur in the next two to three hours, while in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Kinnaur, rain and snowfall are likely to continue until evening, according to a media release from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Even though data of the entire State are not available as of filing this report but meanwhile in Shimla district National Highway 05 (Shimla to Rampur) is open for all types of vehicles, informed a district administration spokesperson. Work on smooth functioning of road is underway on National Highway 705 (Theog to Hatkoti) near Kharapathar, he added. Stating that, National Highway 205 (Shimla to Bilaspur) is open for all types of vehicles. Adding, State Highway 8 (Deha-Choupal) is closed for traffic. State Highway 13 (Shimla-Sunni-Tattapani) is open for all types of vehicles. All roads in Shimla city area are open for all types of vehicles, he informed.
Over the past 24 hours, the state experienced significant weather conditions with no major change in minimum temperatures at many places, remaining normal or near normal, while isolated stations recorded temperatures 2-3°C below normal. Gusty winds were observed, with Bilaspur recording wind speeds of 42.6 kmph and Berthin 37.04 kmph.
Moderate fog brought visibility down to 400m in Kalpa, while shallow fog reduced visibility to 500m in Mandi, Sundernagar, and Shimla. A thunderstorm was reported in Palampur. Severe cold day conditions were observed in Mandi with a maximum temperature departure of -10.1°C and a minimum of 7.8°C, while Kalpa also experienced a cold day with a temperature departure of -4.7°C from the normal.
The IMD forecast indicates that heavy rain and snow are likely at isolated places through the day, with a fresh Western Disturbance expected to affect Northwest India from March 2. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve from March 3 onward, with dry conditions likely from March 5 to March 7.
