National Desk, 21st April: Himachal Pradesh grapples with heavy rain and snowfall, leading to the closure of 104 roads and 3 national highways, as reported by the state emergency operation center on Saturday.
The majority of road closures, totaling 99, are concentrated in Lahaul and Spiti. Additionally, Kullu is affected by three blocked roads, with one each in Chamba and Kangra. The situation in Kangra is exacerbated by the washing away of a bridge due to relentless rain, although authorities assure the public of a new bridge’s construction by the month’s end.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with lightning in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh on April 22 and 23. A yellow alert indicates the expectation of severely adverse weather conditions persisting for multiple days, potentially disrupting daily activities.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall across the country for the upcoming southwest monsoon season, estimated at around 106 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). This projection coincides with moderate El Nino conditions over the equatorial Pacific region, though a transition to neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions is anticipated early in the monsoon season.
IMD’s analysis includes observations on the below-normal northern hemisphere snow cover extent during the last 3 months from January to March 2024, which can significantly influence weather patterns, including those during the impending monsoon season.
The combination of heavy rain, snowfall, and impending thunderstorms underscores the necessity for heightened vigilance and preparedness among residents and authorities in Himachal Pradesh as they navigate through these challenging weather conditions.