NewKerala.com

Himachal Braces for Fresh Snowfall, Temperature Plunge from Feb 1

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a new period of rain and snowfall for Himachal Pradesh beginning February 1. The weather change is driven by western disturbances affecting northwest India. Temperatures are expected to fall sharply, with minimums dropping 2-5°C and maximums falling 4-8°C over subsequent days. The IMD has issued an advisory for thunderstorms and gusty winds on February 1, urging residents and tourists to take precautions.

Key Points: IMD Forecasts Rain, Snow in Himachal from Feb 1

  • Fresh spell from Feb 1
  • Temps to drop 2-8°C
  • Thunderstorms with gusty winds
  • Snow in high hills
  • Dry weather on Feb 4-5
2 min read

IMD forecasts rain, snowfall in Himachal from Feb 1; temperatures to drop sharply

IMD predicts fresh rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh from February 1, with a sharp drop in temperatures and thunderstorms expected.

"a sharp fall in temperatures after the next 24 hours - IMD"

Shimla, January 31

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh from February 1, with a significant drop in temperatures expected over the following days.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, dry weather prevailed across the state during the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Saturday. Minimum temperatures remained normal to near normal at most places, while maximum temperatures rose appreciably at many stations, staying 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal.

The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti at -10.2 degrees Celsius, while the highest maximum temperature was recorded at Una at 24.2 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said a western disturbance currently lies over north Afghanistan, while another induced cyclonic circulation is present over central Pakistan. Under the influence of these systems, a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of February 2, followed by another from the night of February 5.

According to the forecast, light rain or snowfall is likely at isolated locations in high-hill areas on January 31 and February 6. Light to moderate rain and snow is expected at many places across the state on February 1, while scattered precipitation is likely at a few places on February 2 and 3.

Dry weather is predicted on February 4 and 5.

The department has also warned of a sharp fall in temperatures after the next 24 hours. Minimum temperatures are likely to drop by 2-5 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures may fall by 4-8 degrees Celsius over the subsequent two to three days.

A weather advisory has been issued for February 1, warning of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, reaching up to 60 kmph, at isolated places across several districts, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. No major weather warning has been issued for the remaining days of the forecast period.

The IMD has advised residents, tourists and farmers to remain alert and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to snowfall, thunderstorms and dense fog, which was reported in Bilaspur during the past 24 hours .

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see IMD giving such detailed forecasts now. The drop of 4-8°C in max temps is significant. Hope the farmers in Una and Kangra districts are prepared. Sudden temperature swings can damage crops.
A
Aman W
-10.2°C in Spiti! That's seriously cold. Respect to the people living there. The advisory is crucial for tourists who don't understand mountain weather. Please, if you're travelling, carry proper gear and don't take risks on the roads.
S
Sarah B
The science behind this is fascinating. Tracking western disturbances from Afghanistan and cyclonic circulations over Pakistan to predict our weather. IMD's modelling has improved a lot. A respectful suggestion: their public advisories could be even more visual for wider reach.
K
Karthik V
Hope the state government and NHAI are ready. The Kalka-Shimla highway and other routes often get blocked or dangerous during such spells. Preemptive deployment of snow ploughs and police is needed.
N
Nisha Z
After the dry spell, this rain and snow will be good for the water table and the apple orchards. But the sharp temperature drop right after... that's the real challenge. Time to get out the *rajais* (quilts) and heaters!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50