Shimla, March 14: After weeks of dry weather across Himachal Pradesh, the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that a fresh western disturbance could bring rain and snow to many parts of the state over the coming days, offering relief to farmers worried about the prolonged dry spell.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the state witnessed mainly dry weather during the past 24 hours, with no rainfall or snowfall reported anywhere.
Temperatures, however, remained above normal across most stations, with minimum temperatures rising by 2–5°C above normal and maximum temperatures 4–7°C higher than usual.
The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at Tabo at 0.2°C, while Una and Paonta Sahib recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32°C.
The weather office has forecast light rain or snowfall at isolated places on March 14 and March 17, while light to moderate rain or snow is likely at many places on March 15, 16, 18 and 19. Another spell of light to moderate precipitation is expected at a few places on March 20.
Meteorologists said a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of March 17, which could trigger widespread precipitation activity across Himachal Pradesh.
Temperatures are also expected to drop. While no major change is expected in the next 24 hours, minimum temperatures may fall by 2–6°C and maximum temperatures by 4–7°C across many parts of the state over the following three to four days.
The weather department has also issued a warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds of 40–50 kmph and hail at isolated places between March 15 and March 19, particularly affecting districts such as Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra and Chamba.
Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are also likely in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti on March 15, 16, 18 and 19, the bulletin added.
Officials have advised orchardists to use hail nets or protective caps in fruit orchards and urged people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees.
The expected rain and snow could bring much-needed moisture to the hills, where farmers and orchardists have been facing over 40 days of dry weather, raising concerns for crops and apple orchards.
