Light snow, rain expected in Himachal as western disturbance approaches

Shimla: After an extended dry spell of 43 days, Himachal Pradesh is set to experience light rain and snowfall on November 15 and 16 as a western disturbance (WD) approaches.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the disturbance will likely affect the higher altitudes in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts, bringing a possibility of light precipitation. However, the weather is expected to stay clear across other regions.

Yellow alert for fog in lower regions

Ahead of the incoming western disturbance, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Mandi, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts. Drivers in these areas have been advised to exercise caution as visibility could drop below 50 metres, potentially making travel hazardous. Today and tomorrow, skies are expected to remain clear across Himachal Pradesh before the western disturbance’s influence takes effect on higher elevations.

Farmers face sowing challenges

The lack of rainfall has severely impacted agriculture, especially wheat sowing, which remains incomplete in 90 per cent of the fields. This drought-like situation has prevented timely sowing in both the plains and mountainous regions. While the window for wheat sowing in the plains extends until tomorrow, the optimal period for mid-altitude and mountainous areas ended two weeks ago, leaving farmers facing significant crop planning challenges.

Light western disturbance may not alleviate drought conditions

IMD officials have noted that this western disturbance is relatively weak, with expectations of only light snow and rain over the higher altitudes. Since no rain has been recorded in districts like Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur and Kullu, the forecasted light precipitation is unlikely to bring sufficient relief. Farmers and residents continue to hope for more substantial weather events in the coming weeks to break the ongoing dry spell and aid agricultural activities.