Himachal Weather Update: Light Snowfall in Higher Altitudes, Dry Conditions Persist in Shimla & Lower Regions
Light Snowfall in High-Altitude Regions, Dry Weather in the Plains
Shimla, January 30 : The weather in Himachal Pradesh took a slight turn as light snowfall was recorded in higher-altitude regions such as Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Chamba. The upper areas of Manali also witnessed light snowfall late at night. In Kothi (Kullu district), 1 cm of fresh snow was recorded, while snowfall was also observed in Kukumsari and Rohtang Pass (Lahaul-Spiti). However, vehicular movement through Atal Tunnel Rohtang remains smooth.
Most parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced clear skies on Thursday morning, with sunshine reducing the intensity of cold waves. Shimla and Manali also saw clear skies in the morning. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast deteriorating weather conditions over the next week.
Rain & Snowfall Expected Until February 5
According to the Meteorological Center, a Western Disturbance is expected to impact Himachal Pradesh on February 1 and 3, leading to adverse weather conditions across multiple regions.
Yellow Alert Issued for the next 24 hours, warning of thunderstorms and lightning.
Snowfall and rainfall are expected in several parts of the state until February 5, primarily in higher-altitude regions.
Cold Wave Continues Temperature Drops Across Himachal
Despite the sunny weather in lower regions, Himachal Pradesh continues to experience freezing temperatures in many areas.
Minimum Temperatures Recorded:
- Tabo (Lahaul-Spiti): -5.9°C
- Kukumsari: -0.8°C
- Kalpa (Kinnaur): 1°C
Shimla Colder Than Manali
For the first time this winter, Shimla recorded a lower temperature than Manali.
- Shimla: 5°C
- Manali: 5.1°C
Other Major Cities:
- Sundernagar: 6.2°C
- Bhuntar: 5.1°C
- Dharamshala: 5.2°C
- Una: 5.8°C
- Nahan: 7.4°C
- Palampur: 5.5°C
- Mandi: 7°C
- Kangra: 8.3°C
- Bilaspur: 7.8°C
Farmers & Horticulturists Concerned Over Lack of Rainfall
Drought-like conditions in lower Himachal have become a major concern for farmers and horticulturists. The lack of rain and snowfall is severely affecting the agricultural cycle, leading to delayed sowing and plantation activities.
Decline in Apple Sapling Purchases
- Due to the dry spell, farmers are hesitant to buy and plant apple saplings.
- The Horticulture Department had aimed to supply 1.10 lakh apple saplings, but only 50% have been sold so far.
- Sales of other fruit saplings have reached 60-70% completion.
Expert Advice:
- Apple saplings can be planted in high-altitude regions until March, but in lower-altitude areas, they must be planted before February 15.
- Horticulture Officer (Mashobra, Shimla) Priya Kapil stated that sales of saplings, which usually sell out by January 20, are unusually slow this year.
- Shimla Horticulture Deputy Director Sudarshana Negi advised that if rainfall occurs before February 15, demand for apple saplings may rise.
