Rain, snowfall likely in Himachal from October 29 to 31

Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall from October 29 to 31, with snowfall expected in higher-altitude areas, as a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal is likely to influence the weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, has issued a yellow alert for five districts for October 29 and 30.

IMD Shimla director Shobhit Katiyar said cyclonic storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal was moving west-northwest at 20 kmph, and its effects are likely to reach Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Solan and Kangra districts may receive light to moderate rainfall on October 29 and 30. Higher-altitude areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu are likely to experience snowfall.

Katiyar said heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall was not expected during this period, despite the yellow alert for the five districts.

Day temperatures are currently between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius in lower areas, 20 and 26 degrees in mid-altitude regions, and 15 and 20 degrees in higher reaches. These temperatures are 1 to 2 degrees above normal.

Rainfall and snowfall between October 29 and 31 are expected to bring down daytime temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, increasing the chill across the state.

The weather is likely to clear on November 1, with sunshine expected to raise temperatures again.