State records snowfall, rain, max temp dips

A few places in Lahaul and Spiti have recorded light snowfall over the last 24 hours, while several places across the state have recorded rainfall. At some places in the apple belts of Shimla and Kinnaur district, hailstone and thunderstorm have been recorded, causing damage to the fruit.

Due to the precipitation, maximum temperatures have fallen by three to six degree Celsius during the past 24 hours. They are appreciably below normal over many parts of high hills like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, north Chamba and north Kullu. In Chamba, the maximum temperatures are 12.7 degree below normal.

As per the weather department, the precipitation spell is likely to lose its intensity tomorrow. The areas falling in the plains, low and mid hills are likely to have clear skies but there’s a possibility of light rain/snow at isolated places in high hills tomorrow as well.

“Several areas have been hit by hailstone in the apple belts over the last 24 hours, causing a lot of damage to the orchards going through bloom. The dip in the temperatures has further exacerbated the damage,” said an apple grower.

The department has issued yellow alert for light rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning in several districts till tomorrow morning.