Snowfall, rain warning issued for four districts

Issuing an alert for the start of a wet spell from midnight today, the weather department has warned of slippery roads, traffic congestion and the disruption of essential services in various parts of the state.

While the department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain/snowfall over the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi for February 20, there’s a forecast for light to moderate snowfall and rainfall in other parts of the state. There’s a forecast for light snowfall at many places with a few spells of moderate snowfall, in the districts Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and over the higher reaches of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur from February 20 midnight till the next morning.

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

According to the department, maximum temperatures are “very likely” to fall by 6-7 degree Celsius over many parts the state on February 20. Minimum temperatures are very likely to rise by 3-4 degree Celsius over many parts of the state on February 20, and then fall by 3-4 degree Celsius on February 21-22.

Cold day conditions are also very likely to prevail over some parts over lower hills/ plain areas and mid hills on February 20.