Orange alert issued for heavy rain, snow today

Even as the state is still reeling under the impact of heavy precipitation a couple of days back, the weather department has again issued an orange alert for heavy rain and snow for tomorrow. The orange alert has been issued for isolated places in the districts of Chamba, Kangra and Lahaul and Spiti. Elsewhere, the forecast is for light to moderate precipitation. There will be rain and snow on March 4 as well in some parts, though with lesser intensity. Form March 5 onwards, the weather is likely to clear up.

Close to 600 roads and over 2,200 power distribution transformers were disrupted across the state due to heavy rainfall and snowfall across the state. Even now, several roads and transformers are yet to be restored, causing a lot of inconvenience to the people.

Light to moderate rain/snow occurred at isolated places over the state during last 24 hours. The maximum temperatures have risen by six degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius over the last 24 hours. The minimum temperatures have fallen by four to five degree Celsius over the last 24 hours at some places.

Meanwhile, for the third consecutive year, the winter precipitation has been less than normal in the state. It’s the first instance since 2010 when three consecutive winters have seen less than normal precipitation. This winter ended with 26 per cent less than normal precipitation. Had it not been for excess precipitation over the last three-four days of February, the deficiency would have been much higher.

In 2023 and 2024, the winter precipitation had been 38 and 42 per cent less than normal. Post 2019, there has been more than normal precipitation only once in 2022, when the state recorded 30 per cent more than normal precipitation. On three occasions since 2010, the deficiency has been over 70 per cent thrice.