Light snowfall is expected in the higher elevations of Himachal Pradesh today. According to the Meteorological Department, light snow may fall on the higher peaks of Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti, while the weather will remain clear in other parts of the state. The department predicts that the weather will clear completely across the state from Wednesday, and there will be continuous sunshine until February 23rd.
Meanwhile, most cities in the state have recorded a significant increase in maximum temperatures. The state’s average maximum temperature has risen 4.7 degrees Celsius above normal. Kalpa recorded the highest increase of 8.4 degrees, bringing the temperature to 15.0 degrees.
Shimla’s maximum temperature also rose 4.9 degrees above normal to 18.2 degrees Celsius. Bhuntar recorded a 5.8 degree rise to 23.8 degrees Celsius, Una saw a 5.4 degree rise to 28.7 degrees Celsius, and Sundernagar recorded a 5.0 degree rise to 25.5 degrees Celsius.
Night temperature is also higher than normal
Minimum temperatures also continued to rise. Kalpa recorded a minimum temperature of 1.4 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees above normal, while in Kangra it rose 4.1 degrees to 9.8 degrees Celsius. Shimla also recorded a night temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above normal.
28% less rainfall than normal in winter season
According to the Meteorological Department, this winter has seen less rainfall than normal. The state typically receives 142.1 mm of rainfall between January 1st and February 17th, but this time only 101.9 mm of rain was recorded, which is 28 percent less than normal. Due to the reduced rainfall and rising temperatures, the impact of winter appears to be weakening.
Due to clear weather, people are expected to get relief from cold, however, due to light snowfall in high altitude areas, the effect of cold may persist.