Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: IMD Forecasts Rain and Snow from Dec 20 for 72 Hours
Western disturbance to bring snowfall in higher reaches of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu; plains to see cloudy weather and light rain
Shimla, Dec 20: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 72-hour warning of rain and snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, starting after December 20, officials said.
Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, said that most parts of the state experienced largely clear weather over the past 24 hours, with intermittent cloud cover.
“Temperatures have mostly remained near normal. The highest maximum temperature was recorded at Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur at 24°C, while Shimla saw 16.2°C, about 2°C above normal,” Sharma said. On the colder side, Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded minus 4.1°C, Tapo minus 2.0°C, Shimla 12.2°C, and Sundernagar 5°C. Dense to moderate fog was reported in Bilaspur’s lower plains early Saturday morning.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance is expected to hit the region late on December 20, increasing cloud cover from night onwards. Light rain and snowfall are likely in the higher reaches of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and the mountainous areas of Kangra. Upper areas of Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra may also see light snowfall, while parts of Mandi could witness light rain. Rainfall chances in the plains remain low, though cloudiness is expected to persist.
The IMD further predicted that weather activity across the state on December 21 may lead to a temporary drop in temperatures. From December 22 onwards, as skies clear, temperatures are expected to return to near-normal levels.
Sharma advised that Friday night may bring scattered light snowfall and rain in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, while plains are likely to remain cloudy, with isolated light rain in Mandi and Kullu districts.
