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Himachal Pradesh Shivers as Unseasonal Rain, Snow Bring Back Winter Chill

Continuous rainfall and snowfall in higher reaches have caused a sharp temperature drop across Himachal Pradesh, reversing the transition to summer. The unseasonal cold has disrupted daily routines, forcing residents to unpack winter clothes and complicating commutes for school and work. While inconvenient, the weather is viewed as beneficial for agriculture and potentially for tourism in the hill state. The IMD forecasts more rainfall, thunderstorms, and a further temperature drop over the next 24 hours, with a fresh western disturbance expected to affect the region from March 22.

Key Points: Himachal Pradesh Sees Sharp Temperature Drop Due to Rain, Snow

  • Widespread rain & snow triggers sharp temp drop
  • Daily life & commutes disrupted in Shimla
  • Beneficial for agriculture & tourism
  • IMD forecasts more rain, thunderstorms
  • Fresh western disturbance expected from March 22
2 min read

Rain, snow trigger sharp temperature drop in Himachal Pradesh

Unseasonal rainfall and snowfall cause a sharp temperature drop in Himachal Pradesh, disrupting daily life while benefiting agriculture and tourism.

"The current weather feels more like the rainy season, with December-like cold returning to the city. - Satya, a working professional"

Shimla, March 20

The continuous rainfall over the past five days, coupled with snowfall in higher reaches, has led to a sharp drop in temperatures across Himachal Pradesh, bringing back winter-like conditions even as the state had begun transitioning into summer.

In Shimla, the sudden dip in temperature has forced residents to take out woollen clothes once again. The unseasonal weather has disrupted daily routines, with school children, office-goers, and commuters facing difficulties due to persistent rain and cold conditions.

A local school student, Kanika, said the weather shift has made daily life challenging. She noted that while the state was witnessing rising temperatures earlier, the sudden spell of rain and snowfall had caused a sharp fall in temperature, making it difficult for her to attend school regularly.

Residents said they had already packed away their winter clothing after the onset of warmer weather, but the return of cold conditions has forced them to use woollens again.

Satya, a working professional, said managing daily routines has become difficult, especially dropping children to school and commuting to the office. She added that the current weather feels more like the rainy season, with December-like cold returning to the city, forcing people to wear coats and warm clothes once again.

Despite the inconvenience, the rain and snowfall are being viewed as beneficial for agriculture and are also expected to have a positive impact on tourism in the hill state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal Pradesh has recorded widespread rainfall and snowfall over the past 24 hours, contributing to the temperature drop.

Maximum temperatures have fallen by 2-5°C and remain significantly below normal across most parts of the state.

Several areas received heavy rainfall, including Manali (57 mm), Palampur (49.2 mm), and Kasauli (30 mm), while higher reaches such as Gondhla (21 cm) and Kalpa (17 cm) recorded snowfall.

Kalpa recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 0°C, while Paonta Sahib registered the highest maximum temperature at 26°C.

The IMD has forecast more rainfall and a further drop in temperatures over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph at isolated places.

A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India from March 22, likely leading to continued weather activity in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While it's inconvenient, we must remember this rain and snow is a blessing for our farmers and water tables. After the warm spell, this moisture is crucial for the apple orchards and rabi crops. A little discomfort for a few days is worth it for the long-term benefit of the state.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Manali next week! This news is a bit worrying. Should we cancel or pack for full-on winter? The article says it's good for tourism, but 57mm of rain and cold temps doesn't sound ideal for sightseeing. Any locals have advice?
A
Aman W
The IMD forecast is concerning. Gusty winds of 40-60 kmph along with thunderstorms can lead to landslides and power outages in the hills. The authorities should be on high alert, especially for the people living in vulnerable areas. Safety first!
K
Karthik V
Feel for the parents and school kids mentioned. Getting children ready and commuting in this sudden cold and rain is a real challenge. Hopefully schools are being considerate with attendance. The weather is truly behaving like it has a mind of its own this year.
N
Nikhil C
While the article is informative, it would be helpful to have more clarity on the duration. It mentions a fresh western disturbance from the 22nd, but for how long will this continue? As a planner, a clearer timeline helps businesses and residents prepare better.

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

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