Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 3 : A widespread wet spell accompanied by rainfall, snowfall and hailstorm activity is expected to affect Himachal Pradesh from April 3 to April 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the weather disturbance is being driven by an active western disturbance and favourable atmospheric conditions.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate snowfall over most high hills and adjoining mid-hill regions on April 3 and 4, with isolated snowfall likely to continue till April 6. Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is expected over the low hills, plains and mid-hill areas during the same period.
Popular tourist destinations such as Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley and Sissu are likely to witness multiple spells of rain and snowfall during this period.
Day temperatures across the state are also expected to drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Issuing an Orange Alert, the IMD warned of isolated hailstorm activity on April 3 and 4 in districts including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla, while Chamba district may experience hailstorms on April 3.
In addition, a Yellow Alert has been issued for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) across several districts between April 3 and April 7.
The weather department cautioned that hailstorms and thunderstorms could lead to damage to crops, power lines and vulnerable structures, besides causing traffic disruptions and slippery road conditions. There is also a risk of falling tree branches and flying debris due to strong winds.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to limit outdoor activities, avoid taking shelter under trees, secure loose objects, and stay updated with official weather bulletins.
Farmers have been urged to protect crops and move livestock to safer locations.
The IMD further indicated that another active western disturbance may bring fairly widespread precipitation across the state from April 7 to April 9.