Himachal Pradesh Awaits Western Disturbance Amid Persistent Dry Conditions

A new western disturbance is set to impact parts of Himachal Pradesh, bringing chances of light snowfall in higher reaches such as Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, while dry weather prevails elsewhere. Temperature variations persist, with some areas experiencing cold wave conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Himachal Pradesh, which has been experiencing dry weather for nearly three months, is anticipating a fresh western disturbance affecting its high-altitude regions by Friday night. This may bring light snowfall, although the rest of the state is expected to remain largely dry.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, reported, "The weather has remained dry, including the last 24 hours. A feeble western disturbance is expected, with a limited impact that might cause light to moderate snowfall at a few places." Higher altitudes in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba are expected to be primarily impacted until the 19th, with light snowfall possible in these regions.

Despite the approaching disturbance, districts like Kangra, Mandi, and Kullu might see isolated rain or snowfall, whereas places like Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur may experience cloud cover with minimal precipitation. Meanwhile, cold wave conditions have been noted in parts of Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, and Kangra, with a yellow alert issued for these plains.

(With inputs from agencies.)