Himachal shivers as average temperature nosedives 11.5°C

The entire Himachal Pradesh is shivering as maximum temperatures have dipped by 10 to 17°C below normal following snowfall and rainfall since Sunday.

Chamba, for instance, recorded a maximum temperature that is 17.8°C below normal, Dalhousie’s temperature is 14.9°C below normal and Manali recorded a temperature that is 14.2°C below normal. Overall, the average maximum temperature is 11.5°C lower than the normal temperature.

As per the Weather Department, the intense precipitation has been triggered by a “very active” western disturbance and its impact would last till late evening on Tuesday. This spell of precipitation hit the peak intensity today and is likely to taper down tomorrow. The department has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rain at most places tomorrow as well. From October 8, the weather is likely to clear up.

Several places in Lahaul and Spiti district, including Gondla (5 cm), Hansa (5 cm) and Keylong (4 cm), received snowfall. As per the Weather Department, Keylong has received the earliest snowfall in October since 2008. “It’s the first time Keylong has received snowfall in the first week of October. Until now, the earliest snowfall recorded at Keylong was on October 11,” a Weather Department official said.