Two consecutive western disturbances may affect northwestern India; rain, snowfall likely in Himachal

Shimla: Rain and thunderstorms are likely in Himachal Pradesh as two consecutive western disturbances are expected to affect northwest India on March 26 onwards, resulting in light rains at many places in the lower and middle ranges and precipitation at isolated areas in the higher hills.

The Shimla meteorological station on Tuesday issued a warning for thunderstorm, accompanied with lightning and gusty winds at speeds of 40-50 kmph in all ten districts barring Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti on March 28, and in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts on March 26.

The MeT station also predicted wet spell in the state on March 26, 27 and 28.

Meanwhile, high altitude tribal areas saw another spell of light snowfall on Tuesday night, with Keylong and Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti district recording 3 cm and 1.2 cm of snowfall, respectively.

Scattered rains occurred across the state, with Murari Devi receiving 27 mm rainfall, followed by Sundernagar at 15.2 mm, Jogindernagar 15 mm, Bharmour 11 mm, Mandi and Manali 7 mm each, Sarahan 5 mm, Baggi 4.5 mm, Kukumseri 4.2 mm, and Bhuntar 4 mm.

Minimum temperatures fluctuated marginally and Tabo was coldest with a low of minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.

There was no significant change in maximum temperatures and Una was hottest in the state, recording a maximum of 28.6 degrees Celsius.