Shimla: Several districts of Himachal Pradesh received rainfall on Wednesday, while light snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti.Hailstorms also lashed parts of Kinnaur and Shimla districts. Kangra recorded the highest cumulative rainfall of 17.8 mm, followed by Chamba at 10.6 mm and Kullu at 5.7 mm.Palampur received 8 mm of rain, Sarahan 3 mm, while Kothi, Chuari and Jot recorded 2 mm each.Thunderstorms and lightning were observed at Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Shimla, Jubberhatti, Kangra, Jot and Murari Devi. The meteorological department has forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall at a few places in the state till Oct 13.Minimum temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3°C and maximum temperatures by 2-5°C over many parts during the next three-four days. The southwest monsoon withdrew completely from Himachal on Oct 3, eight days later than normal. But due to a fresh western disturbance, the rainfall could impact tourism and agricultural activities, particularly apple harvesting in several areas and the upcoming apple season in Kinnaur district due to a hailstorm.
