Shimla: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a fresh round of rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh beginning February 1, accompanied by a notable decline in temperatures over the next few days.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the state experienced dry weather conditions over the last 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Saturday. Minimum temperatures largely remained normal to near normal, while maximum temperatures at several locations rose significantly, staying around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.
Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 10.2 degrees Celsius, while Una registered the highest maximum temperature at 24.2 degrees Celsius.
The IMD said a western disturbance is currently positioned over north Afghanistan, with an induced cyclonic circulation persisting over central Pakistan. Under the influence of these weather systems, a new western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of February 2, followed by another system likely to affect the region from the night of February 5.
As per the forecast, light rain or snowfall may occur at isolated locations in high-altitude areas on January 31 and February 6. Light to moderate rain and snowfall are likely at many places across the state on February 1, while scattered precipitation is expected at a few locations on February 2 and 3. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail on February 4 and 5.
The weather department has also cautioned that temperatures are expected to drop sharply after the next 24 hours. Minimum temperatures may fall by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures could decline by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius over the following two to three days.
An advisory has been issued for February 1, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph, with speeds potentially reaching up to 60 kmph at isolated places in districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Solan. No significant weather warnings have been issued for the rest of the forecast period.
The IMD has urged residents, tourists and farmers to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to snowfall, thunderstorms and dense fog, which was reported in Bilaspur during the past 24 hours.
