Himachal Pradesh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rainfall and snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the next 24 hours as an active western disturbance continues to influence weather conditions across the state. Meanwhile, temperatures have witnessed a noticeable decline of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours.
According to the weather department, cloudy conditions are prevailing in several districts, including Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi and Kinnaur. Some areas in these districts may receive light to moderate rainfall, while higher-altitude locations are likely to experience fresh snowfall. The chances of snowfall are particularly high around Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass and other elevated areas of Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla on 12 November, senior IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said the western disturbance remains active and is continuing to affect weather conditions in different parts of Himachal Pradesh. He noted that light rainfall was recorded in certain areas of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti over the last 24 hours, while higher elevations received light snowfall. Sharma further indicated that snowfall activity is likely to continue in the upper reaches of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti during the coming 24 hours, particularly in the regions surrounding Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass.
The scientist also highlighted a significant fall in temperatures across the state, with readings dropping by approximately 2 to 6 degrees Celsius. Una registered the highest maximum temperature at 31.4 degrees Celsius, whereas Shimla recorded a maximum of around 18.4 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures in Dharamshala, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Mandi remained within the range of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Sharma explained that persistent cloud cover during the early morning and late-night hours is likely to influence daytime temperatures. On Friday, maximum temperatures are expected to remain considerably below the seasonal average, with departures of around 15 degrees Celsius below normal.
However, the weather situation is expected to improve across most parts of Himachal Pradesh beginning November 14, as sunshine is likely to return to several areas. Temperatures are also expected to recover gradually over the following days.
Despite the overall improvement, isolated spells of light rainfall may continue in some mid-hill districts on November 14 and 15. Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi are among the districts where such weather activity is possible. In contrast, the plains and most other parts of the state are expected to witness predominantly clear skies.
According to the IMD, weather activity is likely to weaken considerably after November 14. From November 16 onwards, predominantly dry weather conditions are expected to prevail across Himachal Pradesh.
Sharma also mentioned that cloudy skies could persist in isolated parts of Bilaspur, Solan and Sirmaur. However, the likelihood of rainfall in these districts remains low.
With snowfall expected in the higher mountain regions and temperatures continuing to fluctuate, residents and travellers heading towards high-altitude destinations are likely to experience colder and unsettled weather conditions over the next 24 hours.