IMD Forecasts More Snow In Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert on widespread snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, warning that daily life continues as commuters face serious problems due to slippery roads, traffic congestion and fuel shortage. According to IMD, a fresh Western Disturbance will affect the state on January 26 and bring moderate to heavy snowfall and blizzards in many parts over the next few days.

Speaking to ANI, IMD Himachal Pradesh Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said that the Western Disturbance has become active across the state since late last night, leading to rain and snowfall in many areas. “Western Disturbance has been active over Himachal Pradesh since last night. Therefore, while rainfall was recorded across the state, snowfall occurred in three to four districts.” Kothi (Kullu) comes at 15 cm, followed by Gondhla at Lahaul-Spiti at 12 cm and Chamba at 6 cm. Snowfall continues, with Keylong and Manali recording around 4 cm of snowfall, while Shimla received around 1 cm of snowfall.

“While light to moderate snowfall continues in the higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla, rainfall was recorded in Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur in the last 24 hours. Hamirpur recorded the highest rainfall of 25 mm,” he added. Sharma said that the current weather condition will continue until late at night, snowfall will continue in the higher reaches, and rain will continue in some parts of Kangra and Mandi. A brief decrease in intensity is expected on January 25, but another Western Disturbance will become active on January 26, triggering new snowfall and precipitation across the state. “Widespread rain and snowfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh from January 26 to 28. Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur and Kullu districts are expected to receive heavy snowfall and an Orange Alert has been issued for this.” he said.

Daytime temperatures have fallen sharply, falling 9 to 10 degrees Celsius below normal in many areas, he added. While Shimla’s daytime temperature hovers around 0°C, Kangra, Bilaspur and adjoining areas record temperatures around 7°C. Cold day warnings, fog warnings and storm warnings have also been issued for some counties.

Meanwhile, while snowfall brought traffic almost to a halt in the state capital, it was reported that the roads became extremely slippery and long traffic jams occurred in many places. Tourists and local commuters faced major inconveniences, especially on routes originating from Shimla. Local taxi driver Vikram said he was stuck in traffic for over an hour while trying to reach Chandigarh with the tourists: “I have to go to Chandigarh, but I was stuck in traffic jam for over an hour. Since the snowfall started, vehicles have been skidding badly. It is very difficult to drive even after the air pressure in the tyres drops,” he said.

He added that vehicles must be pushed or pulled to clear blocked areas, which significantly increases travel time. “Earlier, it took two to three hours to reach Chandigarh, but now it may take five to six hours. Snowfall is still continuing and petrol pumps are closed, creating fuel problems.” said Vikram. Expressing his concern, he said that some vehicles stuck in traffic may run out of fuel. “If vehicles remain stuck for a long time, many may stop halfway due to lack of fuel. It becomes very difficult to move forward,” he added. IMD has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in higher elevations, as heavy snowfall from January 26 to 28 is expected to further worsen road conditions.