Himachal likely to get fresh spell of rain, snowfall from February 18

Shimla, February 12

The state is likely to receive second spell of snowfall and rain of the season from February 18. As per the spokesperson of the Weather Department, a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the region from February 17, which is likely to trigger rainfall at isolated places in plains and low hills and rain and snow at isolated places in the mid and high hills.

Until February 17, the weather in the state will generally be dry with the exception of some isolated spell of rain and snow in the higher reaches. Meanwhile, the average maximum temperatures, which had dipped substantially below normal following the last precipitation spell from January 31 to February 6, have risen to above normal. Shimla, for instance, today recorded a maximum temperature of 15.4°C, which is 3.8°C above normal. Maximum temperature at several places has risen above 20°C.

A cold wave was observed at isolated pockets in the districts of Una and Bilaspur. Shallow to moderate fog is also prevalent in pockets of district Mandi and Bilaspur, reducing the visibility up to 500 m.

Having gone without rainfall and snowfall in December and January, the previous precipitation spell provided a huge relief to the farmers and horticulturalists in the state. However, everyone is hoping for another spell of precipitation in this month. “Then last spell snapped the long dry spell and provided a huge respite. But a single spell is not enough. Another good spell of precipitation is needed to good yield of fruits,” said an apple orchardist from Rohru.