The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a yellow alert for various weather phenomena, including rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. The alert will take effect from Saturday, March 28, with intensified weather conditions anticipated over the subsequent two days. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, indicated that light rainfall is expected in isolated locations like Solan on Friday evening. Additionally, light showers may occur in districts such as Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu.

Active Weather System Expected

According to Sharma, the weather system is projected to become more pronounced starting the night of March 28, with its effects likely to manifest across most areas of the state on March 29 and 30. Numerous regions are anticipated to receive light to moderate rainfall, particularly in higher altitudes where light to moderate snowfall may also occur. Districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur are expected to experience snowfall in their higher reaches, although no alerts for heavy rain or snowfall have been issued.

Warnings for Thunderstorms and Lightning

The IMD has issued warnings regarding thunderstorms and lightning for various districts, including Una, Bilaspur, Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur, categorizing these alerts under the yellow alert. Sharma remarked that isolated thunderstorms and lightning activity could take place, particularly in mid-hill districts. However, he clarified that no extreme weather events are predicted at this time.

Current Temperature Trends

Current temperature levels across Himachal Pradesh are reported to be close to seasonal averages. Una recorded a maximum temperature of approximately 31°C, while both Shimla and Solan posted temperatures in line with their seasonal norms. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain around normal on March 28, but a decrease of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius is likely between March 29 and 30 due to the active weather system.

Gradual Reduction in Weather Activity

Sharma noted that weather activity is projected to diminish steadily after March 31. Nevertheless, certain regions in the mid and high hills might continue to experience light to moderate rainfall. A marked decrease in weather activity is anticipated to occur from April 1 onward. He also highlighted concerns that the current weather conditions could potentially affect apple cultivation areas, where flowering and fruit-setting processes are underway.

Seasonal Rainfall Data

With respect to seasonal rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has recorded approximately 17 percent below the normal precipitation levels for the month of March thus far. While regions such as Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan have experienced normal to above-normal rainfall, other areas are still facing deficits in precipitation. This ongoing variability in weather patterns is crucial for agricultural activities and the overall climate health of the region.

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