Shimla, March 14 (H.S.): Fresh snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh have significantly increased the cold, particularly affecting the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the upper regions of Kullu and Chamba.

Intermittent snowfall in these areas exacerbated the chill. In contrast, the plains are experiencing unseasonably high daytime temperatures, with maximum temperatures exceeding normal levels.

Several locations recorded below-freezing temperatures, with Kukumseri being the coldest at -5.8 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Keylong at -5.7 degrees and Tabo at -3.4 degrees. Major cities like Manali, Dalhousie, and Shimla noted minimum temperatures of 3.9, 5.2, and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, Una recorded a maximum of 32 degrees, marking the season's highest. Light rain and snowfall affected various parts, with significant snowfall recorded in Gondla, Kukumseri, and Keylong. Rainfall was noted in Manali, Sangla, Jot, and Bhuntar.

Due to the snowfall, around 130 roads in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu have been closed, and power disruptions occurred from transformer malfunctions.

A yellow alert has been issued for March 15 and 16, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, followed by clearer weather from March 18 to 20 as the current western disturbance weakens, leading to potential warming in the plains and milder conditions in the higher areas.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar