Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a mix of weather conditions as the Meteorological Center Shimla has issued forecasts indicating snowfall in higher altitudes and rising temperatures in the plains. A weather alert has been announced for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds across various districts, creating a contrast between the chilly mountain weather and the warmer conditions experienced in the lower regions.
On March 26, light rain and snowfall are expected in regions like Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur, Mandi, and Kullu. The bad weather is anticipated to extend into March 27, affecting parts of Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. A yellow alert has been issued for thunder, lightning, and hailstorm activity, with winds projected to reach speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts.
Meanwhile, in Shimla, the weather remained lightly cloudy on March 25, and the minimum and maximum temperatures in some regions are expected to drop by 3-4 degrees Celsius over the next two days. However, from March 28 to April 1, the forecast predicts clear weather across Himachal Pradesh.
As temperatures in the plains rise, residents are already feeling the heat. On March 25, Una recorded the highest temperature at 34.0°C, followed by Bilaspur at 32.6°C, Sundernagar at 31.3°C, Kangra at 30.4°C, and Solan at 30.1°C. Other notable temperatures included Nahan at 28.5°C, Chamba at 27.7°C, Dharamsala at 27.2°C, Shimla at 22.4°C, and Manali at 21.5°C.
Shifting focus to other parts of India, March 26 is shaping up to be a hot day in major cities. In Mumbai, the weather is expected to be sunny and humid, with temperatures reaching 32°C. Delhi will experience extreme heat, soaring to a high of 38°C with poor air quality. Chennai is predicted to be mostly sunny and very warm at 37°C, while Bengaluru will see a partly cloudy sky with a high of 33°C. Hyderabad is set for hazy sunshine and a scorching 37°C, whereas Kolkata will bask in sunshine with temperatures hitting 35°C. In Shimla, the temperature will be milder at 26°C with mostly cloudy conditions.
According to the Shimla weather department, the cold spell in Himachal Pradesh is attributed to a Western disturbance. This weather phenomenon is expected to bring cold conditions on March 26 and 27. A yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning has been issued for several districts. Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi are likely to see rainfall accompanied by light snowfall during this period.
The weather department also indicated that maximum temperatures in several districts, including Una, Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Kangra, and Mandi, reported highs of around 30 degrees Celsius on March 25. The active western disturbance is expected to cause rain and snowfall on March 26 and 27, with a forecast of clear skies returning by March 28.
In terms of tourist activities, the weather department has predicted that popular tourist destinations in Chamba (Dalhousie), Kangra (Dharamsala), Kullu (Manali, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass), and Lahaul-Spiti (Sissu) will experience light precipitation, with a few moderate spells likely from the forenoon of March 26 to the night of March 27. This could affect travel plans for visitors heading to these scenic locations.
Overall, the weather in Himachal Pradesh is expected to remain dynamic over the next few days, with a mix of rain, snowfall, and rising temperatures in the plains, illustrating the diverse climatic conditions that characterize this region.
As residents prepare for the shifting weather, the combination of warm days and the potential for late-season snow in the mountains serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring in Himachal Pradesh. With forecasts indicating a return to clearer skies in the coming days, many will be hoping for a pleasant end to March.
