Shimla | February 9:
Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness largely dry weather over the next few days, even as a western disturbance begins affecting the western Himalayan region from Monday, the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, said in its latest bulletin .
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the western disturbance, seen as a trough in middle and upper tropospheric westerlies, along with an induced cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan, may trigger isolated thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds at a few places.
Wind speeds are expected to range between 30–40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, mainly during the initial phase of the system’s influence .
Weather conditions over the state remained dry during the past 24 hours, with no rainfall or snowfall recorded at any station. Minimum and maximum temperatures across most parts of Himachal Pradesh continued to stay above normal, indicating a spell of relatively warmer weather for early February.
The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti at –9.9°C, while Una logged the highest maximum temperature at 26.7°C, reflecting sharp temperature contrasts between higher and lower hill districts .
IMD officials said no major warnings have been issued for the coming week, and dry conditions are expected to dominate from Day 2 onwards, with only isolated weather activity possible on Monday.
Dense fog was reported at Mandi with visibility dropping to 150 metres, but no incidents of cold wave, cold day conditions, or gusty winds were observed during the last 24 hours.
The department has advised residents, particularly in higher reaches and exposed areas, to remain alert to sudden gusty winds or brief thunderstorm activity, even as overall weather conditions remain stable across the state.
