Shimla: Himachal Pradesh witnessed the first snowfall of the season early Thursday morning, with high-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, including Baralacha, Shinkula and Ghepan Peak, covered in a white sheet of snow. Snowfall continued in higher reaches while lower areas received rainfall, leading to a noticeable increase in cold conditions across Lahaul-Spiti.
Snowflakes also fell over the high peaks of Bharmour in Chamba district, bringing a drop in temperatures in the region. Several other parts of the state have been receiving rainfall since Wednesday night.
Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded the highest rainfall at 86.8 mm. Other areas also received significant rainfall, including Maruti Devi in Mandi at 50.6 mm, Salapad in Mandi at 48.1 mm and Paonta Sahib at 31.0 mm.
The Meteorological Department issued a fresh Orange Alert for thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with heavy rain likely at one or two places across Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur until 12 noon.
First Snowfall Brings Chill to Lahaul-Spiti
The change in weather has increased the chill in Lahaul-Spiti, with snowfall covering several high-altitude locations. The snowfall at Baralacha, Shinkula and Ghepan Peak has given the higher reaches a distinctly wintry appearance, while rain continues in lower areas.
Rain was also reported in Manali, Kangra, Solan, Bharmour and several other parts of the Kangra region.
In Shimla, the weather remained notably dark during the morning, with gloomy conditions continuing until around 9 am. Visibility fell sharply, dropping below 30 metres and later to less than 20 metres after the weather changed around 7:15 am.
Himachal Records Below-Normal Rainfall
The latest weather conditions come as the monsoon remains relatively weak across Himachal Pradesh. The state recorded 31 per cent less rainfall than normal over the past week, while rainfall during the entire monsoon season has remained 11 per cent below normal.
Sub-normal rainfall is forecast for the coming week as well. However, light to moderate rain is expected during the day in the mid-hill areas of the state.
The monsoon is expected to weaken from Friday, with no significant rainfall forecast across Himachal Pradesh over the next five days. Isolated areas may, however, receive light drizzle or scattered showers.
Cold Nights, Warmer Days Expected
Temperatures dipped slightly following the rain and snowfall, with the state’s average minimum temperature recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius below normal, bringing a chill to nights in high-altitude areas.
Meanwhile, humid heat has intensified in the plains as sunshine returned during the day.
Keylong recorded the most significant rise in maximum temperature compared with normal levels, with the mercury climbing 4.5 degrees Celsius to 22.5 degrees Celsius.
Mandi recorded a maximum temperature 3.1 degrees above normal, reaching 32.6 degrees Celsius, while Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 24.0 degrees Celsius, which was 1.4 degrees above normal.
According to the Meteorological Department, the pattern of cold nights and warmer days is expected to continue. Maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius next week as the monsoon weakens and sunny weather prevails, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain below normal.