Himachal Pradesh is experiencing snowfall in the higher reaches and intermittent rainfall in the mid and low-lying areas due to the activation of the Western Disturbance in the state. The fresh snowfall has covered the mountain peaks, while the rainfall has been ongoing in the plains, ending the prolonged dry spell that the state had been experiencing.
This weather change has brought much-needed relief to farmers and orchardists, as the rain boosts crop growth and improves water availability for irrigation.
As per the Met department, Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Chamba, Kangra and Kullu districts are likely to receive snowfall, while it will rain at isolated places in the low hills.The day temperature is also likely to drop by six to seven degrees during these three days.
The weather department has also issued an alert for thunderstorms with lightning in 10 districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur for Feb 20.Tabo in Lahaul Spiti was the coldest on Monday with the lowest minimum temperature of -8.4ºC. Keylong recorded a minimum of -7ºC, while Kalpa logged a low of -2.6ºC.Among the tourist destinations, Shimla recorded a minimum of 6.5ºC, Manali 3.6ºC, and Dharamshala 5.5ºC.
The maximum temperatures saw a rise in most parts of the state on Monday, with Una recording the highest maximum temperature of 28.2ºC.The state has so far eceived deficient rainfall, impacting both agriculture and horticulture crops. According to the Met department, Himachal has recorded 16.3 mm of rain till Feb 17 – 71% less than the normal rainfall of 56.8 mm.