Yellow Alert in 10 Himachal Districts as Weather Turns Unstable; Snowfall Likely in Higher Reaches
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall and possible hailstorms on October 15 as weather conditions are set to deteriorate across much of the state.
According to the forecast, adverse weather is likely in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. While Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are expected to remain largely unaffected by the alert, weather conditions may remain unsettled in most other parts of the state.
The department has also predicted rain in several areas over the next two days, with a possibility of snowfall in higher-altitude regions on October 16 and 17. However, no weather warning has been issued for these dates. Conditions are expected to improve from October 18 onwards, with clear weather likely across most parts of the state.
Meanwhile, temperatures have continued to drop in the tribal and higher reaches, signalling the onset of winter. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 0.3 degrees Celsius, while Tabo recorded 2.1 degrees Celsius. Kalpa, Manali, Bhuntar and Kufri registered minimum temperatures of 6.2, 8.4, 11.0 and 11.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Among other major towns, Solan recorded a minimum temperature of 12.8 degrees Celsius, while Palampur and Bharmour registered 13.0 degrees Celsius each. Shimla recorded 13.4 degrees Celsius, Sundernagar 14.4 degrees Celsius, Una 14.8 degrees Celsius, Kangra 15.2 degrees Celsius, Mandi 15.3 degrees Celsius and Bilaspur 17.0 degrees Celsius.
Dharamshala recorded a minimum temperature of 17.4 degrees Celsius, Sarahan 17.8 degrees Celsius, Dehra Gopipur 19.0 degrees Celsius and Paonta Sahib 21.0 degrees Celsius. Residents in higher-altitude areas have reported a noticeable increase in morning and night-time cold.
According to the Meteorological Department, the state’s average minimum temperature increased by 0.3 degrees Celsius during the past 24 hours and remained 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal. Rainfall activity was largely absent, with only Sarahan receiving 1 mm of rain during the period.
Most parts of Himachal witnessed clear skies on Wednesday, but officials have advised people to remain cautious over the next three days as changing weather conditions could lead to rain, thunderstorms and snowfall in higher elevations. With weather expected to clear from October 18, residents may see relief after the brief spell of instability.
