Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, January 21
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh onJanuary 23 , warning of widespread rain, snow, strong winds and lightning as a western disturbance moves across the state. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla said the system would be active from the night of 22 January, affecting the entire state on 23 January, with rain and snowfall likely to continue until the afternoon of 24 January.
Heavy snowfall is forecast in the higher reaches of Kullu, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, while heavy rain is expected in the plains of Una, Kangra and Bilaspur. A yellow alert has also been issued for several other areas. Officials said the change in weather is expected to break a prolonged dry spell and lead to a sharp drop in temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, intensifying cold conditions.
Popular tourist destinations including Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Sissu, the Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley are also likely to receive snowfall.
“The western disturbance will have a widespread impact across Himachal Pradesh,” said Shobhit Katiyar, director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla.
