Himachal Pradesh Weather Update: Mixed Conditions Across the Region, Road Closures Highlight Mountain Travel Challenges.

Reported & Written By Neha Singh, Diary Times, Shimla, May 12: Welcome to the latest weather update on Himachal Pradesh, where we delve into the current atmospheric conditions shaping the picturesque landscapes of this northern Indian state. As travelers and residents alike navigate through the diverse terrain of hills, valleys, and mountains, understanding the ever-changing weather patterns becomes crucial for safe and enjoyable experiences. From clear skies and sunshine to clouds, rain, and even snowfall in certain regions, the weather in Himachal Pradesh can be as dynamic as its breathtaking vistas. In this comprehensive report, we’ll explore the recent weather data provided by various sources, highlighting both the favorable conditions and the challenges posed by adverse weather and road closures in certain areas. Stay tuned for a detailed insight into the atmospheric conditions shaping life in Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read | Himachal Weather: Strong winds and storm havoc, know the latest weather forecast

Today’s weather report from the Meteorological Centre at Shimla brings a mix of conditions. Over in Shimla, the summer capital, the sky is a bit cloudy, which means the sunlight is kind of scattered and not as strong. This also makes it a tad harder to see clearly around there. In the areas where rivers like Satluj, Beas, and Ranjit Nagar flow, there’s a chance of light rain here and there, as per the folks at the Meteorological Department in Shimla. Ranjit Nagar might even experience some thunder and lightning along with that light rain. Moving to places like Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu, there’s a higher chance of seeing some rain, thunder, lightning, and maybe some gusty winds around 30-40 kilometers per hour. In Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi, it might rain a bit with some thunder and lightning, but not as much wind. Lahaul-Spiti could also see some light rain and possibly some gusty winds, but not too strong, around 30-40 kilometers per hour. As for the rest of the state, there’s a chance of light rain in some spots, but nothing too heavy.

Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Weather Update: Varied Conditions Across the State, Travel Caution Advised.

Over the past day, we’ve had a mix of weather across the state. In the lower hills like Kangra, Hamirpur, and others, there’s been some light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in a few spots. This pattern is expected to continue tomorrow. Moving up to the middle hills, areas like Shimla and Mandi have seen rain in many places, while in the high hills like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, along with parts of Chamba and Kullu, there’s been rain and even some snow in many spots. This trend is also likely to persist tomorrow. As for temperatures, there hasn’t been much change. The minimum temperatures have been noticeably cooler than usual, while the maximum temperatures have been lower than normal. Today, the coldest spot was Kukumaseri at 3.8 degrees Celsius, while the hottest was Una at 39.6 degrees Celsius.

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As per the Ministry of Earth Science and the Meteorological Department of India, Himachal Pradesh experienced significant rainfall today, with Jogindernagar receiving the highest amount at 36.0 mm. On the other end, Shimla AERO had the lowest rainfall at 1.3 mm. Several other areas also saw rainfall, including Sangraha with 30.0 mm, Kotkhai with 12.1 mm, and Shimla with 7.3 mm. Mashobra AWS recorded 7.0 mm, Chaupal 6.4 mm, Narkanda AWS 5.5 mm, and Chamba AWS 5.0 mm. Mandi received 3.8 mm, Saloni 3.2 mm, while Manali and Bhuntar aero had 3.0 mm each. Sainj AWS, Kalpa, and Khadrala saw 3.0 mm, 2.0 mm, and 1.4 mm respectively, while Palampur also had 1.4 mm of rainfall.

Keylong, known for its cool climate, is currently the chilliest among the major cities in Himachal Pradesh, with a temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius. There’s a high chance of rain here, reaching up to 99%. Moving up the temperature scale, Chamba offers a slightly warmer atmosphere at 14.3 degrees Celsius. It also has the highest chance of rain among the cities, standing at 100%. Next, Kufri presents a milder climate compared to Chamba, with the temperature recorded at 18.1 degrees Celsius. There’s a 65% chance of precipitation here. As we move to the state capital, Shimla, the temperature rises to 20.8 degrees Celsius. Despite being warmer, there’s still a moderate chance of rain, about 50%. Sundernagar boasts a relatively warmer temperature at 30 degrees Celsius. While it’s warmer than the other cities, there’s still a fair chance of rain, around 43%. Lastly, Kangra tops the temperature chart among the cities, registering at 24.5 degrees Celsius. However, it has the lowest chance of rain at just 1%

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The Lahaul and Spiti police issued a weather and road status report as of May 12, 2024, up to 0800 hours, which is crucial for travelers in the region. According to the report, most areas are experiencing clear weather conditions, which is great news for travelers. However, some places like Udaipur, Tindi, Sissu, North, and South Portal are reporting cloudy weather. This cloud cover leads to diffused sunlight and decreases visibility, making it a bit tricky for travelers. It’s also causing a drop in temperature in these areas.

Despite the weather conditions, the roads in the region are mostly open for travel, which is good for visitors. However, the report also highlights some road closures and advisories due to adverse weather conditions. For example, the road from Darcha to Sarchu is closed, indicating potential hazards or blockages along that route. Additionally, the route from Lossar to Gramphu is also closed, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about road conditions before setting out on journeys, especially in mountainous areas prone to bad weather and landslides.

To sum it up, although most areas are experiencing favorable weather and open roads, the closures and advisories serve as reminders of the ever-changing nature of mountain terrain. It’s essential for travelers to stay updated on weather forecasts and road status updates provided by local authorities to ensure safe and smooth travels in Lahaul & Spiti.

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