SHIMLA, Dec 31: After weeks of dry weather, the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh witnessed light snowfall on Wednesday, bringing a change in weather conditions across parts of the hill state.
According to the state Meteorological Department, light snow was observed in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Kullu districts, while very light precipitation occurred at isolated locations in the high hills during the last 24 hours.
“This is the first snowfall of the season in the higher reaches,” a Met Department official said. “Snowfall and rainfall activity is likely to continue across the state till January 2.”
The official said plains and low- to mid-hill areas are expected to remain largely dry during this period, while higher elevations may receive additional snow. Dry weather is forecast between January 3 and January 4, followed by another spell of snow and rain on January 5 and 6.
Temperatures across the state remained above seasonal averages. Minimum temperatures were 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, ranging from minus 3 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures were around 3 degrees Celsius above normal, ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius.
Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 8.7 degrees Celsius, Dharamsala 6.8 degrees Celsius and Manali 6.7 degrees Celsius. Kalpa recorded a low of 2.1 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri village in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Solan emerged as the warmest location in the state with a maximum temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, the department said.
