Weather Update: Thunderstorms And Snowfall Expected In Himachal Pradesh

Thunderstorms and Snowfall Expected in Himachal Pradesh

The weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh have taken a turn, as the orange warning for snowfall has been changed to a yellow warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail storms with heavy snow at isolated places. This update was issued by the local weather office on Saturday evening, alerting residents and authorities to be prepared for the changing weather patterns.

The impact of the changing weather conditions can already be seen in various parts of the state. As a result of the heavy snowfall, several roads have been closed in different districts. Shimla tops the list with 161 road closures, followed by Lahaul and Spiti with 157 closures, Kullu with 71 closures, Chamba with 69 closures, and Mandi district with 46 closures. This disruption in transportation can pose challenges for residents and tourists alike.

In addition to the road closures, the heavy snowfall has also caused disruptions in the power and water supply systems. According to the state emergency operation center, a total of 478 transformers and 567 water supply schemes have been affected. This can lead to inconvenience and potential hardships for the people residing in these areas.

The snowfall has been varying across different regions of Himachal Pradesh. In Kinnaur, Kalpa received 5.6 mm of snow, while Bharmour recorded 5 cm, Gondola 4.2 cm, Keylong 3 cm, and Khadrala and Kufri both received 2 cm of snow. Other areas such as Kukumseri, Sangla, and Pooh witnessed lighter snowfall with 1 cm each.

Apart from the snowfall, some regions have also experienced rainfall. Jogindernagar received 13 mm of rain, followed by Slapper with 12.5 mm, Rohru with 10 mm, and Gohar with 9 mm. Several other areas including Sarahan, Sujanpur Tira, Berthin, Naina Devi, Palampur, Seobagh, Shimla, Sundernagar, Dharamshala, Una, and Solan received rainfall ranging from 5 to 7 mm.

It is important for the residents and tourists in Himachal Pradesh to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and advisories. It is advisable to take necessary precautions and be prepared for any potential disruptions caused by thunderstorms, lightning, hail storms, and heavy snowfall. It is also recommended to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during such weather conditions to ensure personal safety.

The minimum and maximum temperatures did not significantly vary. The nighttime low in Kukumseri, Lahaul and Spiti, was the lowest at minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature in Dhaulakuan, during the day, was the highest at 20.3 degrees Celsius. Parts of the Hamirpur district have experienced heavy rains that have interrupted normal life. Although the prolonged dry spell in December and January had a negative impact on Rabi crops, farmers are relieved that the rains have improved those crops.

The local authorities are working diligently to restore the disrupted services and clear the roads for smooth transportation. However, it may take some time to fully recover from the impact of the severe weather conditions. It is crucial for everyone to cooperate with the authorities and follow their instructions for the safety and well-being of all.

In conclusion, the orange warning for snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has been changed to a yellow warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail storms with heavy snow at isolated places. This change in weather conditions has led to road closures, disruptions in power and water supply, and varying levels of snowfall and rainfall across different regions. It is important for residents and tourists to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and cooperate with the authorities during this time.