Himachal weather update: Met dept issues yellow alert for heavy snow in five districts on February 4

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has once again issued a yellow alert for multiple regions across Himachal Pradesh, forecasting rain and snowfall in the coming days.

According to the department’s latest bulletin, a fresh western disturbance is expected to become active starting February 3, triggering precipitation in various districts until February 5. The yellow alert is for rain, snow, thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places in middle and high hills at isolated places.

Heavy snow is likely to occur at isolated places on February 4 in the districts of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

On February 6, rain and snowfall are anticipated in the high mountainous regions before the weather clears up by February 7. “Disruptions of essential services, including water and electricity, communications and related services, are expected.

Visibility conditions very likely to decrease. Adequate safety measures must be taken and advisories and guidelines issued by the departments concerned must be adhere to,” said the weather department’s statement.

In the aftermath of recent snowfall, several roads in Shimla, including Khalini-Toland, Chhota Shimla-Himland-Lift and Lakkar Bazaar links, have become slippery, impeding vehicular movement. The transportation of essential commodities such as milk and bread to the capital has been severely affected, compounding the challenges faced by residents.

A significant drop in both minimum and maximum temperatures has been recorded across the state over the past 24 hours, with averages falling below normal levels. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of -0.6°C, Sundernagar 2°C, Bhuntar 0.5°C, Kalpa -7°C, Dharamshala 2.2°C, Una 3.3°C, Nahan 4.7°C and Palampur 1.5°C. Other regions such as Manali, Kangra, Mandi and Dalhousie experienced similarly frigid conditions, with temperatures plummeting below freezing in several high-altitude areas.

The lowest temperature in the state was recorded at Kukumseri in Lahaul at -13.8°C while Una was the warmest at 17°C. Following is the amount of snow received in various parts of Himachal over the past 24 hours.
Location, Snow
Kothi (Kullu), 35 cm
Khadrala (Shimla), 35 cm
Manali, 30.6 cm
Shilaru (Shimla), 30 cm
Bharmour, 25 cm
Saloni, 21 cm
Chopal (Shimla), 20 cm