Shimla: After last week’s heavy spell of snowfall that brought large parts of Himachal Pradesh to a standstill, the weather is set to change gears again, with fresh western disturbances lined up to impact the state over the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, the past 24 hours remained largely dry across the state. Temperatures showed an upward trend, with maximum temperatures rising by 2–3 degrees Celsius at many places.
While high-altitude areas continued to reel under sub-zero conditions, mid and lower hills witnessed comparatively milder weather. Tabo recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 10.2°C, while Una was the warmest, touching 24.2°C.
Fresh rain and snow spells ahead
The IMD has forecast a return of rain and snow activity from February 1, driven by an active western disturbance. Light to moderate rain and snowfall is likely at many places across Himachal on February 1, followed by light to moderate precipitation at a few places on February 2 and 3.
High and middle hill districts are expected to bear the brunt, while low hills and plains may receive rain.
Dry weather is likely to prevail on February 4 and 5, offering a brief window of relief, before another western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India from the night of February 5. Light snowfall or rain may again occur at isolated places in high hill areas on February 6.
Temperature to dip sharply
After a short spell of relatively stable temperatures, the IMD has warned of a sharp fall in both minimum and maximum temperatures.
Minimum temperatures are expected to drop by 2–5°C and maximum temperatures by 4–8°C over the next 2–3 days after February 1, reviving cold wave–like conditions, especially in snowbound regions.
Thunderstorm and wind alert on February 1
A yellow alert has been issued for February 1, with the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, at isolated places in most districts, including Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are likely to experience strong winds.
Fog adds to concerns
Very dense fog was reported in Bilaspur during the past 24 hours, and similar conditions may affect visibility in low-lying areas, particularly during early morning hours.
Advisory
The weather department has advised residents, tourists and commuters to remain cautious, especially in higher reaches where fresh snowfall may disrupt road connectivity and trigger avalanches.
Farmers and orchardists have also been advised to take protective measures in view of falling temperatures and expected precipitation.
With back-to-back western disturbances in the pipeline, Himachal Pradesh is bracing for another active weather phase just days after emerging from last week’s intense snowfall.
