Shimla, Mar 16 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh witnessed snowfall in the higher reaches and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in several other parts of the state on Sunday, disrupting daily life.

Power outages and damage to property were reported in various regions.

The high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh received substantial snowfall, with Kothi in Kullu district recording 27.5 cm of snow, the highest in the state.

Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded 4 cm of snow, while Kukumseri and Kalpa in Kinnaur received 4.8 cm and 4 cm of snow, respectively. Other stations like Sangla and Khadrala also reported moderate snowfall - 3.4 cm and 5 cm, respectively.

The state experienced widespread rain with Manali receiving 65 mm Bhunter 45.6mm, Seobagh 42 mm, Gohar 36 mm and Shimla 30 mm.

In the lower regions, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall lashed several areas, including Mandi, Shimla, and Solan.

Mandi experienced shallow fog with visibility reduced to 800 metres, while heavy downpours disrupted power supply in many parts of the district.

In Solan, lightning damaged the window panes of St. Luke's School, uprooting fully grown deodar trees.

The snowfall has led to a drop in temperatures, with Keylong recording the lowest minimum temperature of minus 2.0°C.

The weather forecast for the next week indicates isolated rainfall and thunderstorms in some parts of the state. On March 16, scattered thunderstorms are likely, while the weather is expected to remain dry from March 18 to March 22.

However, isolated rainfall may occur on March 17, 19, 20, and 21. The maximum temperatures are expected to remain below normal by 3-7°C across most stations.

The recent weather conditions have caused significant disruptions in vehicular traffic and power supply, particularly in the higher reaches and areas affected by thunderstorms.

The weather is expected to stabilise in the coming days, but isolated rainfall may continue in some parts of the state.

UNI ML SSP