Upcoming Western Disturbance to Impact Himachal Pradesh Weather
Weather Changes Ahead for Himachal Pradesh
Fresh western disturbance likely to become active from December 30
Pallavi Sharma
SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA: As the New Year approaches, dark clouds are forming over Shimla and other popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, indicating a significant change in weather.
With a new western disturbance on the horizon, meteorologists have highlighted an important period for potential rain and snowfall, creating a blend of excitement and caution for both locals and visitors.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, this disturbance is expected to become active starting December 30. It will likely bring light to moderate precipitation across mid and high-altitude areas, with the plains also experiencing showers on December 31 and January 1, leading to a weather-altered beginning for 2025.
Dense to very dense fog alert for lower hills, plains
For now, December 29 is anticipated to be mostly dry throughout the state. However, dense to very dense fog is expected to envelop the plains and lower hill regions during late night and early morning hours, prompting alerts in seven districts.
The weather office has cautioned that areas in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur may experience visibility dropping below 50 meters. Bilaspur is under an orange alert for very dense fog, raising concerns regarding road safety and early morning travel.
Meteorologists predict a slight rise in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours, but conditions are expected to shift dramatically once the western disturbance arrives. A drop in temperatures by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius is anticipated, particularly affecting mid and high-altitude regions. Cold day and cold wave-like conditions may also develop in certain hill districts.
Hotels jam-packed for New Year celebrations
In light of these changes, the department has issued a crucial advisory urging drivers to exercise caution in fog-prone areas, maintain reduced speeds, and utilize fog lights. Residents are advised to dress warmly, limit exposure to the cold, and take special care of children and the elderly, especially if cold wave conditions worsen.
From a tourism perspective, the shifting weather could enhance the New Year allure of Himachal Pradesh. The potential for snowfall has heightened expectations in popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, and Lahaul-Spiti, where an increase in tourist activity is anticipated.