Shimla, Jan 23: Himachal Pradesh received fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the state on Friday, while the entire state witnessed rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms after nearly three months of dry weather.
Snowfall was also reported in other higher-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Jakhoo Hill in Shimlaand Kufri, while rain and thunderstorms were experienced in several other regions. The upper reaches were blanketed in a thin layer of snow, reflecting the sudden shift in weather conditions.
The state experienced light to moderate windstorms around 3 am, followed by the advancement of a cyclonic circulation across the region, triggering rain, snowfall and thunderstorms.
The rain and thunderstorm activity partially ended the prolonged dry spell in Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the inclement weather is likely to continue till Friday afternoon, with a high probability of a good spell of snowfall in Shimla, the tourist resort of Kufri, Narkanda, Khadapather and other higher peaks.
The IMD has cautioned that the intensity of rain and snowfall may be high in the upper reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu districts. An orange alert has been issued for the high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, as heavy rain or snowfall is expected at isolated locations. In the foothills and mid-hill regions, the weather system may bring heavy rain at isolated places.
With cold winds sweeping across the state, temperatures are likely to drop sharply by evening. Vehicular movement may be disrupted due to reduced visibility caused by fog, dust-laden winds and adverse weather conditions, particularly in hilly areas.
The current weather spell has brought much-needed relief after an extended dry phase, even as residents and tourists have been advised to remain cautious amid rapidly changing weather conditions across Himachal Pradesh.