Shimla, Apr 25 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a mixed bag of weather condition as fresh snowfall graces the higher reaches while the lower hills reel under intense heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more chances of rain and thunderstorms in the mid and high hills over the next 24 hours owing to an active Western Disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan.
Snowfall was reported in parts of Lahaul-Spiti with Gondhla receiving three centimetres of snow and Keylong recording a trace, along with one millimetre of rainfall.
The minimum temperature in Keylong dropped to 0.7 degree Celsius, making it the coldest place in the state. Other notable minimums included 5.5 degree Celsius in Kalpa, 9.9 degree in Manali, and 11.8 degree in Bhuntar. On the warmer side, Shimla recorded 16.2 degree Celsius, Dharamshala 17.8 degree, and Nahan 18.9 degree.
In stark contrast, the foothills are experiencing sweltering temperatures. Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district registered the highest maximum temperature in the state at 39.0 degrees Celsius. It was followed closely by Una at 38.6 degrees, Hamirpur at 36.5 degrees, and Bilaspur at 36.4 degrees.
Shimla recorded a maximum of 26.2 degrees Celsius, while Manali stood at 22.8 degrees. The maximum temperature in Dharamshala was 30.1 degrees, and in Solan, it reached 32.2 degrees Celsius. These figures indicate 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal at many stations.
Strong gusty winds were also reported with Seobagh recording the highest wind speed at 61 km per hour, followed by Tabo and Reckong Peo with gusts of 48 and 46 km per hour respectively. No thunderstorms or hail were observed during the last 24 hours.
The prevailing weather condition is likely to remain unchanged as there is likelihood of isolated rain and thunderstorms over the mid and high hills, particularly in districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba.
The lower hills and plains, especially in districts like Sirmaur, Una, and Hamirpur, are expected to remain dry and hot with above-normal temperature persisting.
UNI ML KK