Brace for a cold shock: Snowfall, rain return to Shimla and Kullu; IMD sounds yellow alert

Himachal Pradesh’s weather has been quite unpredictable lately; one moment you're soaking in spring sun, and the next, rain and snow are dancing over the pine forests, refreshing the valley.And yet again, the state might see another spell of rain and snowfall according to predictions by the meteorological department.On Friday, while speaking to ANI, Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, said that light rainfall is likely in isolated areas such as Solan on Friday evening, while districts including Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Kullu may also witness light showers."The weather system will become active from the night of March 28, and its impact will be seen across most parts of the state on March 29 and 30.Many regions are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, while higher reaches may experience light to moderate snowfall." From March 28, snow and rain will increase in parts of Himachal Pradesh, with the meteorological department issuing yellow warnings for Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba districts.The region is expected to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated spots on March 28, increasing through March 30.Warnings extend to other areas on March 29-30, but lighter snow and rain may continue statewide until April 2.It is expected that the minimum temperatures will drop by 3-5°C and maximums by 3-6°C, making things feel much cooler overall. Higher areas like Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti are most at risk for snowfall.The state saw mostly dry conditions recently, with only light rain in a few places. Minimum and maximum temps ran 2-5°C above normal in many spots.Minimum temperatures in places like remained as follows:Shimla 11.8°C, Dharamshala 7.2°C, Manali 7.1°C, Kangra 14.6°C, Mandi 14.3°C, Solan 12.3°C, Bilaspur 15.5°C, Kalpa 3.5°C, Sundernagar 13.3°C, Bhuntar 10.2°C, Kufri 6.6°C, Kasauli 13.1°C, Paonta Sahib 18°C, Tabo 3°C, Kukumseri 2.6°C.