Anticipated rain and snow to bring relief to drought-stricken Himachal Pradesh

In a significant development for the water-starved state of Himachal Pradesh, the higher reaches are poised to experience snowfall on January 26 and 27. The region, grappling with a severe drought, eagerly awaits this precipitation to alleviate water scarcity and rejuvenate the local reservoirs.

Despite a persistent dry spell affecting various areas, including the capital Shimla, the impending snowfall is expected to reverse the trend. The unusual rise in temperatures in the hilly regions has raised concerns, making the prospect of snow a welcome respite for locals.

On Sunday, the state’s maximum temperature reached an alarming 19.6 degrees in Bhuntar, emphasizing the abnormal weather patterns recently experienced. The plains, shrouded in fog, have been gripped by an intensified cold wave, particularly in Una and Kangra, where minimum temperatures have plummeted. However, this cold front may soon be replaced by picturesque scenes of snow-covered landscapes.

The anticipated snowfall holds promise, with areas such as Kukumseri, Kalpa, Manali, Narkanda, and Samdho expected to witness sub-zero temperatures. While the plains currently endure chilly weather, there is hope that the forecasted snowfall will not only bring scenic beauty but also contribute to replenishing water resources.

In line with the Meteorological Department’s prediction of dense fog in the plains for the next two days, residents are gearing up for a transformation in the weather. The prospect of snow-covered landscapes, coupled with the potential drop in temperatures due to fog, generates excitement and optimism among the people of Himachal Pradesh.

The prevailing weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh, marked by mainly dry, partly foggy, and icy cold wave conditions, have been especially notable in the wee hours and night, plummeting mercury about ten degrees below freezing point at high reaches.

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts mainly dry weather conditions in the next three days. Kaza, in the Spiti subdivision of Lahaul Spiti, recorded the coldest temperature in the state at minus ten degrees. Kukumesri in Lahaul Subdivision was minus eight, Kalpa in Kinnaur minus 3.4, tourist resort Narkanda and Manali minus 1.2 and minus 0.7, Solan minus 0.3, and Kufri (Shimla) at zero degrees.

Shimla recorded 2.4 degrees, Airport Jubberhati five, Bhuntar Airport 0.4, Kangra 2.8, Dharmshala four, Una 2.4, and Nahan (Sirmour) 4.9 degrees.

The IMD states that a weak western disturbance heading towards the state is likely to impact dry weather conditions from January 26 onwards. The state is expected to experience mild to light rain and snowfall in isolated places in the higher reaches from January 26 to 28. Another western disturbance is likely to impact the dry weather conditions on January 30 and 31, increasing the chances of light rain and snowfall in a few places in the high reaches.

While the daytime remains mainly dry and sunny, the persistent cold wave conditions continue, providing a glimmer of hope through the anticipated snowfall in the coming days.