Weather Update: IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts for Himachal Pradesh Amid Heavy Rain and Snow

Himachal Pradesh, a hill state in northern India, has experienced heavy rainfall and snowfall over the past two days, with many areas facing intense precipitation. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of another spell of rain and snow expected to begin after March 3 due to an approaching western disturbance.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD's Meteorological Center in Shimla, reported that all parts of the state received moderate rain and snowfall. "In the last 24 hours, nearly all of Himachal Pradesh recorded precipitation, with regions like Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla experiencing very heavy rainfall. The highest was 112 mm in Bhuntar, followed by 108 mm in Chhatrari (Chamba) and Sundernagar (Mandi). Other areas, including Baijnath, Karsog, Rampur, and Manali, saw between 60 mm and 68 mm, qualifying as heavy rainfall," he said.

Snowfall on February 28 was moderate, with Kothi (Kullu) recording the highest accumulation of 15 cm, while Jot (Chamba) received 4 cm. The western disturbance that arrived on February 25 affected the region until late February 27, causing very heavy precipitation in some areas.

Sharma indicated that most of Himachal Pradesh will have clear weather until the night of March 2, although cloudiness may linger in Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Shimla during the day. "A new western disturbance is expected to reach the region on the night of March 2, with effects noticeable from early morning on March 3," he added.

From March 3, light to moderate rain is forecasted for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla, while higher elevations in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur may experience snowfall. The plains and lower hills, including Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Solan, and Hamirpur, could see light rain. An Orange Alert has been issued for Kangra, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti due to expected heavy rain and snowfall, while a Yellow Alert for Kullu and Mandi signals heavy rainfall warnings. Mid-altitude areas may face thunderstorms and lightning on March 3-4.

After March 5, the weather is expected to clear statewide. Recent weather events have significantly lowered temperatures in many areas, with Shimla recording a maximum of 8°C (5°C below normal), Solan at 12°C (9°C lower), Manali at a frigid 1.5°C (11°C below normal), and Mandi at 10.7°C (15°C below normal), as reported by Sharma. As skies clear, daytime temperatures have risen by 4-5°C in various regions; however, another cold spell is anticipated on March 3, which will lower temperatures again. Gradual warming is expected from March 6 onward.

On February 27, districts including Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Lahaul-Spiti experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall and snowfall.