Orange alert for snow, rainfall tomorrow

The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy snow and rain in four districts of the state on February 20. As per the forecast, widespread rainfall/snowfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning is “very likely” over the state from tomorrow midnight to February 21 morning. During this period, isolated spells of heavy rain/snow are “very likely” in some places in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi.

Besides, light snowfall is likely at many places, with a few spells of moderate snowfall, in the districts Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and over the higher reaches of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kullu districts from the midnight of February 20 till the morning February 21.

A few spells of light snowfall, with one or two moderate spells, are “very likely” over most of the tourist destinations including Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Solang Valley, Dalhousie, Sissu and adjoining areas. A few spells of light rain/ snowfall over Shimla City and adjoining areas are likely on February 20.

The forecast for heavy rain and snow will bring a sense of relief rather than concern to the people as the state has been reeling under dry conditions for many months now. The month of February has seen 73 per cent less than normal precipitation, and the overall rain/snow deficiency this winter has reached minus 80 per cent.

Much of the winter has already gone almost dry and if there aren’t a few good spell of precipitation in the remaining winter days there could be a shortage of drinking water in the summers. Farmers, horticulturalists and tourism industry are already feeling the brunt of dry winters.