There has been snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and there is a possibility of rain in the state

Shimla: Over the last 24 hours, there has been extensive rainfall across the state of Himachal Pradesh, with snowfall in the higher-altitude regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain is expected in most areas of the state during the next 48 hours, along with snowfall in the highest regions.

“In the past 24 hours, snowfall has been recorded in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, and rain has been observed in other regions,” Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, told ANI. In terms of quantity, Manali has had 20 cm of snowfall, but Kullu has experienced 22 mm of rain. Snowfall ranging from 8 to 20 cm has also fallen on several hill locations in the upper elevations. About one to one and a half feet of snow fell over Lahaul-Spiti and the higher mountain regions of Kinnaur on the evening of February 26.

According to the IMD, Himachal Pradesh will continue to get rain and precipitation for the following two days, particularly on February 27 and 28. Higher elevations, such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, may get light to moderate snowfall, while the lower and mid-altitude areas are predicted to have moderate rainfall. There may possibly be considerable rains in certain parts of the Kangra district.

“Most regions have recorded daytime temperatures that are 4-5°C below normal,” Sharma said. While low temperatures may continue to decline, daytime temperatures are expected to be rather consistent over the next several days. Daytime temperatures will progressively increase once again after March 1.

IMD data indicates that this winter, Himachal Pradesh has gotten 41% less rainfall than usual. Nonetheless, the districts of Kullu and Mandi have had precipitation that is about typical. There has been a 61% overall precipitation shortfall in the state.

Whether or not the state’s precipitation deficit improves will depend on the effects of another western storm that is predicted for the evening of March 2. “For a brief period, precipitation—both rain and snow—will be brought by the impending western disturbance. We’ll need to keep a careful eye on its activities,” Sharma said.