DHARAMSALA: Dharamsala and surrounding areas in Himachal Pradesh are experiencing severe weather changes, as continuous rain in the hill city and heavy snowfall along the Dhauladhar mountain range since Saturday night have led to a significant drop in temperatures across the Kangra valley. The inclement weather extends to the hills of Kullu and Lahaul, where snowfall was recorded on Saturday, causing concern among residents and authorities.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an Orange Alert for most regions of the state, warning of adverse weather conditions including heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms till Monday. These weather events are being driven by an active western disturbance affecting the area, bringing with it thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/h, and potential hailstorms at isolated places.
The weather forecast remains grim for the coming days, with predictions of continued poor conditions until April 15. However, there is a glimmer of hope as the weather is expected to clear up with sunshine predicted for April 17. Yet, the respite might be brief, with chances of cloudy skies and rain returning on April 18 and 19. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this period of volatile weather in Himachal Pradesh.