Cyclone Arnab & Western Disturbance: Snowfall and Rain Hit Himachal
Cyclone Arnab and a Western Disturbance trigger rainfall and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, causing temperatures to dip significantly below normal.
The serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh are bracing for a chilly transformation as the combined impact of Himachal weather forecast indicators, driven by Cyclone Arnab and a Western Disturbance, triggers rainfall and snowfall across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that these atmospheric shifts have already brought light to moderate rain to several regions, while the high-altitude zones are seeing conditions ripe for snow.
Snowfall in the High Reaches
The higher elevations of the state are feeling the brunt of the cold front. According to the IMD, snowfall is particularly likely in the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti. While the rainfall has been more widespread, the isolated high-altitude areas are the primary targets for the incoming snow.
Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, noted that light to moderate rainfall has already been recorded in Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and parts of Shimla, with the highest peaks remaining vulnerable to snowfall.
Temperature Plunge: A Sudden Chill
The shift in weather has led to a dramatic drop in temperatures across various weather stations. In the last 24 hours, daytime temperatures have plummeted by approximately 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
The impact was most evident in Solan, where the maximum temperature was recorded at around 18 degrees Celsius—a staggering 8 degrees below the normal average for this time of year. This sudden dip has brought a noticeable chill to the state, especially in the mountainous regions where the threat of snow persists.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The IMD has provided a detailed outlook for the state through early November:
- Plains and Mid-Hill Districts: Areas including Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Bilaspur are expected to enjoy generally fair and clear weather from October 30 to November 3.
- High-Altitude Zones: Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and the upper reaches of Kangra may continue to experience occasional light rain or snowfall at isolated spots until November 2.
- Temperature Recovery: While the hills remain cold, temperatures in the plains and mid-hill regions are predicted to rise gradually by about 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next week.
Meteorologists expect conditions to remain largely stable in the lower and mid-hill areas, though the higher elevations will continue to see isolated precipitation over the next 48 hours.