Shimla
There are chances of the cold wave intensifying in Himachal Pradesh. According to Meteorological Center Shimla, there will be rain and snowfall in different parts of the state from January 21 to 24. Especially in view of the possibility of thunderstorm on January 22, a yellow alert has been issued. Apart from this, a warning has been given of dense fog in the plain areas of the state on January 20.
According to Kuldeep Srivastava, Director of Meteorological Center, Shimla, the weather pattern in the state will change again from January 21. There is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba and Mandi districts while light to moderate rain may occur in Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts. The weather is expected to remain bad till January 24. The weather will clear on January 25. There is a possibility of reduced visibility in the plains on January 20 due to dense fog. This may affect road traffic. The Meteorological Department has advised drivers to be cautious and drive slowly. However, there is a possibility of clear weather in the state in the next 24 hours i.e. on January 20. Light snowfall occurred in the hilly areas of the state last night, which has further increased the effect of cold. Snowfall has been recorded on the higher peaks of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Chamba districts. Whereas clouds have camped in Shimla and Manali since Sunday morning.
120 roads blocked due to snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti
Due to heavy snowfall in the tribal district Lahaul-Spiti recently, 120 roads have been blocked, affecting life. Traffic on 10 roads in Kullu district is also at a standstill. Atal Tunnel Rohtang has been opened exclusively for four-wheelers.
Drop in temperature, mercury in minus at four places
The temperature is continuously falling in the tribal districts. The minimum temperature was recorded at -5.4 degrees Celsius in Tabo of Lahaul-Spiti district, which was the coldest area in the state. In the same district, minimum mercury was recorded at -5.3, -4 and -1.7 degree Celsius in Kukumseri, Keylong and Samdho respectively. Apart from this, it was 0.2 degree Celsius in Kalpa and 0.4 degree Celsius in Manali. At the same time, the minimum temperature of Shimla was recorded at 8.6 degrees Celsius, which is 5.5 degrees more than normal. However, this rise in temperature in the capital is temporary as there is a possibility of drop in temperature here in the coming days. During the last 24 hours, the average minimum temperature of the state has increased by 2.3 degrees.
