Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 1 (ANI): Parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed rain and snowfall during the last 24 hours, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in the state on Sunday.

According to the IMD's morning weather bulletin issued from Shimla, there was no significant change in minimum and maximum temperatures across most stations in the state. However, minimum temperatures at a few places rose by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius, while at some stations they remained near normal or were 3 to 6 degrees above normal.

The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti at -3.6 degrees Celsius, while the highest maximum temperature was recorded at Paonta Sahib at 24 degrees Celsius.

Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was reported at several locations, with Manali receiving 10 mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira (7.8 mm), Sarahan (7.3 mm), Shimla (4.2 mm), Malraon (4.0 mm), and Solan and Jubberhatti (3.4 mm each).

Snowfall was also reported in higher reaches, with Shillaroo and Kothi receiving 5 cm, Kufri 4 cm, Gondhla 3 cm, Khadrala 2.5 cm and Sangla 2.1 cm of snow .

The IMD said thunderstorm activity was observed at Shimla and Sundernagar, while no fog, cold wave, cold day conditions or gusty winds were reported during the period .

Regarding the weather system, the department said a western disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan and adjoining Afghanistan, with its influence extending into northwest India. An induced cyclonic circulation is currently lying over north Rajasthan, while a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of February 2, followed by another system around February 5 .

In its forecast, the IMD has predicted scattered rain and snowfall over the state during the next two days, followed by dry weather for the subsequent days. A yellow alert has been issued for Sunday, warning of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)