Snowfall in Himachal high reaches, mercury dips by 6°C

Himachal Pradesh witnessed a change in weather conditions following an active western disturbance, with snowfall over high-altitude passes, light rain in several districts and a fall of 2 to 6 degree Celsius (°C) in maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla.

Light rain was recorded in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, while snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, including Baralacha and Tanglang passes.

Meteorological Centre scientist Sandeep Sharma said cloudy conditions prevailed over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur on Friday. Isolated areas in the middle and higher reaches of these districts may receive rain or snowfall.

He said weather activity would gradually weaken from Saturday, November 14. Light rain is likely at isolated places in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi on November 14 and 15. Cloudy conditions are also expected in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur, though the chances of rainfall remain low.

The Meteorological Centre has forecast clear weather across the state from Monday, November 16.

Sharma said maximum temperatures had fallen by 2 to 6 degree Celsius in the past 24 hours, with the average decline ranging between 2 and 4 degrees. Una recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius, while Shimla registered around 18 degrees and Dharamshala 22 degrees. Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Mandi recorded maximum temperatures between 25 and 27 degree Celsius.

Maximum temperatures in the middle and higher reaches, as well as in Bilaspur and Hamirpur, are likely to fall by another 2 to 4 degrees on Friday compared with the previous 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to rise once weather conditions improve.

Meanwhile, Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 2.4 degree Celsius. Shimla registered around 11 degrees, while minimum temperatures in other plains remained between 11 and 15 degree Celsius.

Sharma said minimum temperatures were likely to fall after Saturday, November 14, as skies clear, while daytime temperatures were expected to remain near normal.