SHIMLA, March 19: The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall in several parts of Himachal Pradesh for Thursday and Friday, warning of possible disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
According to officials, the alert covers multiple districts where intense rain in lower areas and snowfall in higher reaches are expected. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain cautious during this period.
The forecast indicates that western disturbances will influence weather patterns across the state, leading to widespread precipitation.
Officials said that heavy snowfall is likely in higher altitude areas, while plains and mid-hill regions may witness moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
IMD Warning and Affected Areas
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that districts including Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti are likely to experience significant weather activity.
The orange alert suggests that authorities should be prepared for potential disruptions such as road blockages, reduced visibility, and localised flooding in vulnerable areas.
Advisory for Tourists and Residents
Tourists visiting hill stations have been advised to check weather updates before travelling. Road conditions in higher reaches may deteriorate due to snowfall, particularly on key routes.
Local administrations have also been put on alert to respond to any emergencies, including landslides and traffic disruptions. Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense weather.
The weather department expects conditions to gradually improve after the alert period, though intermittent rainfall may continue in some areas.
