E-Paper
Brace for heavy snow, rain in Himachal on Jan 11: IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heavy snowfall and rainfall is expected in isolated pockets in the mid and high hills across Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur districts, while the plains are likely to witness rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning.
Sounding a yellow warning, the meteorological department on Tuesday predicted heavy rainfall and snowfall in the hill state on January 11 and 12.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heavy snowfall and rainfall is expected in isolated pockets in the mid and high hills across Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur districts, while the plains are likely to witness rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning.
Shimla meteorological centre director Surender Paul said a strong western disturbance – a weather phenomenon that causes rainfall in northern parts of India in winters – would activate over the region on Tuesday night.
Paul said essential services, including water and power supply and communication, will be affected. “There is also possibility of landslides due to inclement weather and commuters are advised to adhere to the advisories and guidelines issued by the departments concerned and take adequate safety measures,” he said.
The weather forecast has also raised the hopes of farmers, who are staring at big losses due to the prolonged dry spell. There has been no rainfall in most parts of the state since October, which has delayed sowing of Rabi crops. In areas, where sowing has been done, the produce is suffering due to lack of rain.
The state witnessed 98% rain deficit in December, while in New Year the rain deficit was 95%.
Due to an extended dry spell, the state has been witnessing above normal temperature. Keylong, the administrative headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest in the state, recording a low of minus 2.7°C, followed by minus 1.9°C in Kukumseri and 0°C in Kalpa of Kinnaur. The state capital recorded a low of 7.5°C, Dharamshala 7.2°C, Palampur 5.4°C and Manali 5°C.
Kasauli recorded minimum temperature of 11°C, Dalhousie 6.6°C, Kufri 6.1°C and Narkanda 4.6°C.
