Shimla, Feb 17,
The state of Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a sharp contrast in temperatures, with frigid nights and relatively warm days. While the mercury continues to plummet in high-altitude areas, daytime temperatures remain above normal in several parts of the state. A shift in weather conditions is expected by mid-week as fresh Western Disturbances (WDs) approach on February 20 and 21, potentially bringing much-needed precipitation after an extended dry spell.
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Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti district recorded the lowest temperature in the state at minus 8.5°C, followed closely by Keylong at minus 7°C. Other cold regions included Kalpa at minus 2.5°C. Meanwhile, the state capital, Shimla, experienced a minimum temperature of 6.5°C, while Dharamshala, Una, and Manali recorded 5.5°C, 3.8°C, and 3.6°C, respectively.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, very light rain and snow were observed at isolated places across the state. Minimum temperatures remained stable, with most regions recording temperatures within normal ranges. Plains and low hills, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and parts of Mandi, Chamba, Solan, and Sirmaur, saw temperatures between 4°C and 7°C. Mid-hill regions, such as Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Solan, Sirmaur, and Kullu, recorded minimum temperatures between 4°C and 10°C. High hills, including Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Chamba and Kullu, remained the coldest, with temperatures plunging to minus 8°C to minus 6°C.
Despite the icy nights, maximum temperatures remained stable, with Una recording the highest at 26.4°C. Plains and low hills registered temperatures between 21°C and 27°C, while mid-hill areas saw a range of 11°C to 21°C. In the higher reaches, daytime temperatures remained slightly above normal, fluctuating between 3°C and 14°C.
A fresh Western Disturbance is set to impact the Western Himalayan region from February 19. The weather is likely to remain mainly dry on February 17 and 18, followed by light to moderate rain and snow at a few places on February 19. The precipitation is expected to intensify on February 20, covering many locations. Light rain and snow may continue in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and higher reaches of Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu between February 21 and 23. As a result, maximum temperatures may drop by 5°C to 6°C after February 18, while minimum temperatures could rise by 3°C to 4°C by February 21.
With the much-anticipated Western Disturbance on the horizon, Himachal Pradesh may finally see a break from the prolonged dry spell, offering some relief to residents and farmers alike
