Himachal Pradesh weather update: Three-day orange alert issued for heavy rain, snow in 7 districts from February 18-20

TNR Desk

The Meteorological Department, Shimla, has issued an alert for heavy rain and snowfall spanning three days in Himachal Pradesh. The alert, categorised as an orange alert, will be effective from February 18 to 20 while a yellow alert has been issued for February 17 and 21.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance (WD) is expected to become active starting February 17, with its impact projected to last for the subsequent five days. This weather phenomenon is anticipated to lead to snowfall in the high peaks of Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts. Higher areas are likely to experience heavy snowfall during this period.

Residents as well as tourists are strongly advised against venturing into higher altitudes due to the potential closure of roads post-snowfall, leading to the risk of being stranded in icy conditions. Additionally, significant rainfall is forecasted for the plains of Una, Solan, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and low-lying areas of Kangra district.

The region has experienced pleasant weather over the past 10 days with sunshine dissipating the cold. In Shimla, the minimum temperature has risen by 3.2 degrees to 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Dalhousie’s temperature has increased by 4.9 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius. Kalpa has seen an increase of 3.8 degrees, registering at 0.4 degrees Celsius.

However, many plain areas of the state still grapple with severe cold during mornings and evenings, while daytime temperatures are beginning to rise. Notably, temperatures in 12 out of 23 cities in Himachal Pradesh have surpassed 20 degrees Celsius, with Una recording a high of 26.2 degrees Celsius.