Shimla: Rain and snowfall have led to the closure of 104 roads and three national highways in Himachal Pradesh. The administration reported that 99 roads in Lahaul and Spiti, three in Kullu, one each in Chamba and Kangra have been blocked. Additionally, a bridge was washed away due to rain in Kangra, with construction of a new bridge expected to be completed by the end of this month. Vehicular movement to Keylong has been halted due to a massive landslide at Selfie Point near Sissu on the Manali-Keylong Highway.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with lightning at isolated places in many parts of Himachal Pradesh on April 22 and 23. IMD's forecast suggests a likelihood of above-normal rainfall across the country during the southwest monsoon. According to the IMD, the seasonal rainfall from June to September is expected to be above normal, with a projection of 106% (87 cm) rainfall in 2024. The Long Period Average (LPA) for the four-month monsoon season is 868.6 mm (86.86 cm). Moreover, the latest projections from the Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) and other climate models indicate neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, with weakening of El Nino conditions in the early part of the monsoon season.
IMD also noted that during the last three months (January to March 2024), the snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere has been below normal. Such deviation from the norm in the extent of snow cover can impact weather patterns, including the upcoming monsoon season.
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