Red Alert for Himachal Pradesh as Heavy Rain and Snowfall Pummel State from Tomorrow
Red Alert for Himachal Pradesh as Heavy Rain and Snowfall Pummel State from Tomorrow
Shimla, February 24: A large spate of weather in Himachal Pradesh is expected over the next few days, with the Meteorological Department predicting heavy rain and snowfall in a number of regions across the state between February 25 and March 2. Residents, tourists and locals alike are hoping for this change of weather to alleviate the cold more, because following the severity the cold affected their daily lives.
State to see rain and snow from the weather system
As per the Meteorological Department, the weather of the state will remain unfavourable between February 25 to February 28 as rains and snowfall are likely in many places of the state. Thus expect big weather disruptions during that period with frigid temperatures and the predicted precipitation. A western disturbance has got activated due to a cyclonic circulation near North Iran and Pakistan, due to which this major weather change occurred in Himachal Pradesh, Kuldeep Srivastava, Director of the Meteorological Center Shimla, said.
Moderate to heavy rain and snowfall will be most violent from February 25 to 28 and in some areas, there will also be thunder and lightning on February 25. The areas such as Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, upper regions of Mandi and Sirmaur districts would be affected the most, Meteorological department officials said. Due to the weather conditions, there will be disruptions, and there is a possibility of heavy snowfalls that covered the higher altitudes and turned the landscapes into a beautiful white sheet.
Effects on Road Connectivity and Tourist footfalls
Roads may be closed, utilities may go out, and water supplies may stop in the areas where snow falls, inflicting extreme damage on the infrastructure, Yadav said. Although this creates a nightmare for people living in these areas, a lot of tourists will visit these regions with winter wonderland of Himachal Pradesh.
It is forecasted for popular tourist hotspots of the state, such as Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Dalhousie, Kasaul, and Chail, who will get fresh snow in these hill stations and cbr this winter. The snowfall in these areas will also add to the scenic beauty of Himachal, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the state from different parts of the country in winter. These locations have experienced some snowfall in the past week and this fresh weather spell will make these hill stations even more enticing.
But tourists have been warned to exercise caution because snow can affect road conditions and make travel dangerous, especially the hilly terrains. Both tourists and locals have been advised to stay curious of the weather and take precautions when necessary.
Cold Wave in Tribal Areas
The weather’s effect has been especially severe in tribal districts of Himachal Pradesh, which are still under the grip of a cold wave. Since the last few days, extreme temperatures have been being recorded in the tribal districts of Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur and the minimum temperatures were recorded negative. The temperature in Kukumseri, Keylong and Tabo in Lahaul Spiti recently plunged to -11.2°C, -9.7°C and -7.5°C on Monday. In Kinnaur, Kalpa experienced a minimum of -1.3°C. The minimum temperatures have turned the life of the people in remote areas challenging as the winter chill has brought a lot of difficulties for the people in the remote areas.
Warnings and Precautions for Residents and Travelers
According to the weather forecast, residents and tourists have been strongly advised to take caution during this period of inclement weather. In addition to this, drivers are specifically warned that the blowing snow and the accumulation on roadways may be causing slippery conditions, resulting in driving being dangerous. Also, quick temperature drops and snowfall can create unanticipated travel delays and road closures for areas in the hilly regions.
Officials have asked tourists to monitor weather reports and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Had the weather at higher altitude areas has been issued, and snowfall should carry heavy winter clothes and sufficient equipment, especially as a cold wave is planned in the tribal areas.
Besides warning people to avoid unnecessary travel on the road, the government has also presented instructions on safe use of heating equipment and proper insulation to avoid health-issues from the severe cold. In response to heavy snowfall and potential avalanches, at-risk areas have been identified and precautionary measures taken to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Effect on Agriculture & Livestock
The extreme weather is also likely to affect the state’s agriculture, especially at mid-to-high altitudes where crops are being harvested. A sharp drop in temperatures and the build-up of snow could impact the productivity of crops like vegetables and fruits, which are key to many farmers’ livelihoods in the area. Heavy snow and cold waves can also pose a threat to livestock management, which is a crucial part of the region’s rural economy, according to it.
And farmers are being urged to take precautions to protect their crops and livestock. In parts of the country where snow is forecast, they are advised to secure their farms and make sure that their livestock shelters are solid and insulated from the cold.
A Challenging Week Ahead
In summary, Himachal Pradesh will have a difficult week ahead with heavy rainfall along with snow fall predicted in most areas of the state from February 25 to March 2. Changing weather is predicted to bring a cold and life interferences, dangerous for both citizens and tourists. The snow would obviously add beauty to the state and also bring tourists, it would bring serious challenges in road connectivity, agriculture and basic services.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas should remain aware, ready for possible disruptions, and take the appropriate measures to protect themselves during this extreme weather event. With winter approaching, another spell of turbulent weather has swept through Himachal Pradesh, and it seems no one here has been preparing more than locals.
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