Two Western Disturbance to impact Himachal weather till January 27 : IMD

Two Western disturbance likely to impact the state Weather from January 18 to 27 Indian Meterogical Department said in the forecast and alert issued here today.A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the State from today night. Under its influence light to moderate rainfall/snowfall at isolated to scattered places is likely to occur in the higher reaches of district Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti,  Kinnaur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla during the night of January 18 to 20. Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in low hills or plains during this period. Occasional development of  thunderstorms or lightning with hailstorms is likely to occur at isolated parts of  the State from January 18 to 19. Another active Western Disturbance is very likely to affect the State from late night of January 20 also may increase  the rain or snowfall over the State from late 21 to  26 .Under its  influence light or moderate isolated to scattered rain or snowfall from January 20 and 21. Its intensity and distribution is likely to increase thereafter with scattered to  widespread rainfall or snowfall during January 22 to 2 with its peak intensity with  the possibility of heavy rainfall/snowfall on 24 and 25. Isolated spells of heavy rainfall or snowfall is very likely to occur in district  Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu and higher reaches of Shimla, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and adjoining areas including on Janubary 24 and 25. Snowfall is also likely in Shimla city during the period.

However Mercury may improvised by average 3-5 degrees in the State in next 48 hours and no change thereafter. IMD warned the State Administration and public at large to  take adequate safety measures in the light of above. Issuing Impact and weather Advisory IMD directed to take adequate safety measures. Avoid exposure during morning and evening hours. Disruptions of essential services viz. water and electricity, communications and related services in Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahul-Spiti, Chamba, Shimla, Mandi and Kullu. Visibility Conditions very likely to decrease in State and National Highways and valleys in hilly regions of the State in view of low level clouds/ foggy conditions during this period. Avoid going in open areas in view of expected thunderstorms or blizzard. Traffic congestion is very likely in Shimla city and adjoining areas in view of expected snowfall. District Administration Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahual Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Kangra are requested to be keep watch in order to minimize disruptions of essential services and also on movements of Tourists in view of expected bad weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh during the period.