Snowfall in Shimla, Manali likely this week

Shimla, January 2

As snow eluded Shimla and Manali on New Year’s eve, the cities, along with other high hill destinations, may experience widespread rain and snow this week, weather officials said on Sunday.

“A fresh western disturbance and its associated induced cyclonic circulation is likely to hit the western Himalayan region from January 3,” a statement by the Meteorological office here said.

“Under its influence, precipitation is likely to increase from January 3 in intensity and distribution with fairly widespread to widespread light or moderate rainfall in the plains and low hills and light to moderate rainfall or snowfall in the mid and high hills from January 3 to 6,” it said.

The MeT said isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall is very likely in Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts between January 4 and 5. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in rest parts of the state.

In view of chances of thunderstorm and lightning with hailstorm at isolated parts in the state from January 4 to 5, the MeT asked the state authorities and the public to take adequate safety measures. —IANS