Himachal braces for cold wave and Snowfall Amid weather woes
Himachal Pradesh continues to battle unpredictable weather, with the higher regions witnessing snowfall and a cold wave intensifying across the state. A yellow alert for heavy rainfall remains in effect, bringing a mix of rain, snowfall, and cloudy skies to several districts.
Rohtang Pass hit by Snowfall
Rohtang Pass, sitting at an elevation of 13,050 feet, received light snowfall on Wednesday, marking the onset of winter-like conditions. Nearby peaks in the Lahaul-Spiti district were also dusted with fresh snow, as cold wave conditions took hold.
Chill in Shimla and Other Districts
In the capital city of Shimla, residents woke up to cloudy skies, with the day’s cool temperatures signaling the arrival of colder mornings and evenings. Many other districts experienced similar weather patterns as the state prepares for the upcoming winter months.
Weather-Related Disruptions Continue
The ongoing heavy rainfall has caused significant damage to infrastructure, leaving 32 roads and 26 power transformers out of operation by Wednesday evening. One of the major setbacks was the collapse of National Highway-5 (NH-5) in Kinnaur, which blocked traffic for 24 hours. Thankfully, restoration work allowed traffic to resume by Wednesday afternoon.
Rainfall and Temperature Update
Rainfall was recorded in multiple locations across the state, including Mandi, Jubbarhatti, Dharamshala, Nahan, and Manali. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures continued to dip, with Shimla recording 14.4°C, Dharamshala 17.9°C, and Una 21.2°C on Tuesday night.
Weather Outlook
While the yellow alert for heavy rainfall remains in effect, there is hope on the horizon. Weather forecasts suggest a clearing of conditions starting September 20, as authorities work tirelessly to restore damaged infrastructure and ensure the state’s readiness for any further weather challenges.
