A fresh western disturbance is anticipated to impact the Western Himalayan region next week, potentially leading to thunderstorms and rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, as per the meteorological department's forecast.
In the wake of recent heavy snowfall and rainfall in several areas, over 400 roads, including four national highways, remain closed for vehicular traffic in the state.
The meteorological department has issued a 'yellow' warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places from March 11 to 13, coinciding with the expected arrival of the western disturbance.
According to the state emergency operation centre, Lahaul and Spiti are the worst affected, with 286 roads closed, followed by closures in Chamba (51), Kinnaur and Kullu (24 each), Shimla (21), Mandi (2), and Kangra (1).
Furthermore, 629 transformers are currently out of order, and 22 water supply schemes have been disrupted, exacerbating the situation.
While mild snowfall was observed in some high altitude and tribal areas, Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded 3.8 cm of snow in the past 24 hours.
Manali received the highest rainfall at 10 mm, followed by Bhuntar at 2.2 mm and Pandoh at 1 mm.
Night temperatures dipped across the region, with Kukumseri recording the lowest at minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. Kalpa, Manali, and Kufri recorded temperatures of minus 1.6, 2.6, and 2.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dalhousie, Bharmaur, Sarahan, and Shimla recorded lows of 3.2, 3.5, 3.5, and 4.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the bulletin.
