Shimla, Chamba witness light snowfall

Shimla: Some places in Shimla, Chamba and Sirmaur districts received light snowfall this evening with average minimum temperatures continuing to stay below normal. Over the past 24 hours, several areas in Kinnaur, Nichar, Kalpa, Sangla and Pooh also received snowfall.

Following the arrival of a fresh western disturbance on February 26, the state is likely to see another spell of precipitation for the next four to five days. While the areas located in higher altitudes will witness rain and snow at few places, the areas in mid hills, low hills and plains will witness rainfall. The Weather Department has issued a yellow alert for rain/snow in higher hills for February 26-27 and March 1.

The month of February has seen 98.3 mm precipitation against the normal precipitation of 81.3 mm. Until now, February witnessed 21 per cent higher than normal precipitation. However, the total winter rainfall is still 37 per cent less than normal as January was over 90 per cent rain-deficit. The precipitation in February has helped reduce the overall rain deficiency, which had started impacting agriculture, horticulture and power generation in the state. Another spell of precipitation will help the farmers and the horticulturalists.

The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Kukumseri at -12.8°C.